Submitted by Denair Unified School District

A free after-school food program for any child 18 and under will be unveiled Monday by the Denair Unified School District. Children do not have to attend Denair schools to participate and there is no income or other eligibility restrictions.

“Just show up and we’ll feed you a delicious, nutritional meal,” said Billy Reid, Denair’s food services director.

The program will be offered from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Denair Middle School cafeteria. The menu will change daily, Reid said, and will be different from what is available at lunchtime.

Reid describes it as a “supper and snack” program because for some children, it may serve as the heartiest meal before bedtime. Main courses will include hamburgers, burritos, pizza and chicken nuggets. Fresh fruit and vegetables will be available. Refreshments will include juice and milk.

The food is paid for through a grant from the Federal Child and Adult Care Food Program targeting at-risk youth. Reid emphasized, however, that anyone under 18 from the surrounding community is welcome to participate. He has room for up to 600 children and expects 100 or more to take advantage Monday when hamburgers, vegetables and fruit will be served.

The grant requires an enrichment activity be shared with children and their parents, and Reid said there will be flyers and other items available emphasizing the importance of good nutrition.

The after-school program is separate from the free breakfasts already served each morning, Reid said. About 100 Denair students participate in that program, but there is room for more, he said.

For more information about the after-school program, call (209) 632-7514, ext. 1243. You can download a flyer for the Supper Program here.