CHILDREN'S MEAL PROGRAMS

CHILDREN'S MEAL PROGRAMS. In 2019 Dubuque was going against the Iowa trend which indicated the number of children receiving summer meals declined on an average day by 6%. In Dubuque the number of children receiving meals increased 10%. The opening of three additional sites beyond the BOYS' AND GIRLS' CLUB OF GREATER DUBUQUE throughout the city made the program more accessible. (1)

Through the federal Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), the Department of Agriculture provided funds to serve free meals to children in areas where at least 50% of the children were eligible for free and reduced-price school meals. Sites also qualified if they were located in designated low-income areas where schools participated in a non-pricing meal service option. (2)

Adopting many of the recommendations of the Food Research & Action Center, an anti-hunger advocacy organization in Washington, D. C., Dubuque promoted cooperation between community groups including the Boys' and Girls' Club, City of Dubuque Leisure Services and UNITED WAY SERVICES, INC. The preparation and distribution of meals was handled by city staff and twenty staff and volunteers of the Boys' and Girls Club. (3)

The local program began in 2007 and has increased its locations fro 2 to 14. Any youth aged 18 or younger could receive breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks during the weekdays, depending upon the location. Sites included city parks, community centers, and a mobile home mark. The DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT served breakfast and lunch to between 160 and 180 children Monday through Thursday and 40 children on Friday at PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. (4)

Plans called for expanding the program in 2020 with foo trucks which would deliver food to additional city neighborhoods and perhaps areas of Dubuque County. (5)

See: POVERTY

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Source:

1. Goldstein, Bennet, "Summer Meal Program Expanding," Telegraph Herald, August 1, 2019, p. 1A

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.