Rochester, N.Y. – The Ryan Community Center serves up to 100 lunches every day. Children lined up at noon to get chicken Caesar wraps, apples and milk
“A lot of kids around this neighborhood, I don’t think would have lunch if it wasn’t for this program,” said staff member Kaye Adams.
This summer, the city is serving free breakfasts and lunches at 40 sites. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reimburses the city for the meals. Any child under 18 years old can show up for a meal, no questions asked.
“I think the word is out early enough for parents and also students to know that free meals are being provided in their neighborhood. Sometimes it’s just word of mouth,’ said program manager Jacob Scott.
Last summer, the program served 1,400 breakfasts and 2,500 lunches every day. There are thousands more children who live in poverty and are not taking advantage of the free meals.
“We can pretty much handle any capacity,” said Scott. If there’s an uptick in demand, staff orders more food. Food is not wasted, because the staff bases orders on need.
Despite outreach efforts, there are families who are unaware of the program. The Willis family lives a few blocks away from the Ryan Center and was not aware of the free meals.
“Being on certain income it’s really helpful,” said Cleveland Willis. “I’m grateful for the information.”
“No one told us and just having that information now, it helps me, it saves me a lot of time out the kitchen,” said Annette Willis.
