Rensselaer County to Launch 49th Summer Food Program to Keep County Kids Fed in Summer 2023, County Executive Steve McLaughlin Announces
County Has Served Over 5 Million Meals Through Summer Food Program
Rensselaer County is continuing a summer tradition that is now approaching a half-century in operation, with the launch of the county’s Summer Food Program on Monday during an event at Sunnyside Daycare, announced County Executive Steve McLaughlin.
The summer of 2023 marks the 49th year of the county Summer Food program. The program has been a source of nutrition, support and encouragement for kids for generations, with the number of meals served approaching 5.5 million.
“We are very proud of the Summer Food program, which is one of the most important services provided by Rensselaer County. It shows that we are there for our kids and their families during the summer months,” said McLaughlin.
“The program has the mission of ensuring every kid is fed, and we are very proud of our work in that endeavor,” added McLaughlin.
The kick-off of the 2023 county Summer Food program took place at Sunnyside Daycare, located at Ninth and Ingalls avenues in Troy.
The Rensselaer County Summer Food Program is a partnership between the county and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state Education Department and helps ensure kids 18 and under have access to nutritious meals during the summer.
“The expansion is helpful because it means kids who need a meal from all areas can access the Summer Food program during a time when it may be especially needed,” said county Youth Director Pierce Hoyt.
The county Summer Food program includes 17 sites across the county serving lunch and either breakfast or a snack. Sites include day camps, Boys and Girls clubs, churches, community centers, schools and housing projects. The meals are offered over the course of 10 weeks, running through the months of July and August.
The county anticipates serving over 120,000 meals as part of the Summer Food program during the summer of 2023, county officials said.
“The County’s summer food program is an important part of the summer camp experience for so many children. The campers at 17 locations around Rensselaer County are provided over 100,000 nutritious summer meals and snacks each year. It is a program the Legislature is thrilled to support,” Chair of the Legislature Kelly Hoffman- North Greenbush.
“As a member of the Legislature’s Youth Committee, I am pleased to know that the children who receive their meals at school, don’t have to worry about healthy meals and snacks during their summer programs. This program is a win-win for the children and their families,” said Legislator Dan Casale- Brunswick.