HARLINGEN — For many children this summer, the Harlingen school district provided the only meals of the day.
“I always think it’s important to feed the kids, and through our nutrition programs we’ve been able to do that,” said Judy Baker, director of child nutrition for the district.
Through the diligence of Baker and other school district employees, 101,000 meals were served to local children through the summer feeding program, a record number.
Schools opened for breakfast and lunch and meals were served at recreational activities.
The Free Meal on the Bus program was especially popular, traveling to low income areas around the city and serving hot meals at apartment complexes and mobile home parks.
The district’s efforts caught the attention of Baylor University’s Texas Hunger Initiative, Texas A&M University and the Region One Service Center.
Last month, those three entities awarded the district the “Appreciation” certificate at the Summer Meal Sponsor Appreciation Ceremony in McAllen. The occasion recognized the district’s exceptional efforts for child in the community.
Baker didn’t expect that.
“I was surprised and elated that the director of child nutrition was being recognized,” she said.
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