Zanesville City Schools Begins Summer Lunch Program

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Once the school year comes to an end in June, many students miss out on the one meal they are provided during school hours. Zanesville City Schools in trying to make sure that doesn’t happened.

Monday began their annual free summer lunch program. The school district has four food trucks and distribute to 19 parks in Zanesville. The food is free and available to all children ages one through 18.

“Mom and dad are working, they don’t have any way to get lunch to the kids,” said Vicki Wheeler who is the food service director for ZCS. “We have them come to the different parks in the area so they can get the same hot lunch that they got during the school year.”

The money for the program is provided through the U.S. Department on Agriculture. Monday’s meal was pizza, salad, and peaches, but Wheeler said it changes everyday. Last year 40,000 meals were served and this year the program will run till August 5.

In addition to food provided, each park has two volunteers from Bethel Community Center that are at the park at least an hour before the food arrives to set up games and activities for the children.

“There is usually 80-to-90 kids in this park (Fair Oak Park) alone,” said Wheeler. “I’m hoping to hit 50,000 meals this summer and I think we may. I think it’s just get bigger and bigger of a problem in the area and not just our area, the state has the same problem.”

For park location and times that the food trucks come, you can visit their location at www.zanesville.k12.oh.us.