The cafeteria at the Backus Community Center buzzed with hungry youngsters Monday as they found their spot at tables to eat lunch, complimentary of the Summer Foods Program.
According to Ward Merrill, director at Backus, 4,053 meals have already been served as of Monday.
“That’s significant,” he said of the number.
It was announced this week that Backus received a $5,000 grant from the Northland Foundation in support of the program. The grant will help bridge a gap in funding and be used for additional costs incurred in providing the service.
Merrill said funds were tight this year, and receiving the grant will relieve some of the financial struggles that come with providing the free service.
The Summer Food Service Program is sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education through funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program provides free lunch to all children ages 1-18, without regard to income level.
The program has grown since it began in 2010, Merrill said. The first year Backus offered the service, breakfast was offered in addition to lunch.
Merrill said that during the summer months of June, July, and August, about 3,000 meals — breakfast and lunch combined — were served during the program’s debut year.
Because the numbers attending breakfast were insignificant, in 2011, Merrill said it was decided only lunch would be offered.
“We just weren’t getting much of a turnout for breakfast,” he said.
Merrill predicts word had spread about the program and 5,272 lunches were served during the three summer months.
This summer, however, the number has jumped significantly.
“On average, we served about 30 meals per day the first year, and about 80 meals per day in 2011,” Merrill explained. “This year, we’re serving about 130 meals per day.”
Merrill predicts that by the time the program ends for the summer, about 7,500 meals will have been served.
“I’m guessing the program is well established enough that families and kids know about it or there is a greater need than there has been in previous years,” Merrill said.
While noting that the program is geared toward children, Merrill said parents are also allowed to dine with their kids. He said parents or guardians are encouraged to donate $3.50 to cover the cost of their meal.
“If they can’t, that is fine, too,” Merrill said of parental donations. “For those who can’t, the Falls Hunger Coalition reimburses Backus for adult meals.”
Merrill said that about 85 to 90 percent of meals served are to children.
The director stressed that Backus is pleased to offer the service to the community and explained it is not intended to be a money maker.
“This is meant to be a break-even program,” he said. “We’re proud to offer this to families.”
The Summer Food Service Program will continue through Aug. 31 and is served from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. For more information, call Backus at 285-7225.
