Maybe it’s the sunshine or the tough economic times. Or maybe a combination of both is helping push up the number of kids seeking free lunches at most Tacoma park programs this summer.
In June, the number of federally subsidized lunches and snacks served at Portland Avenue Park more than doubled, rising to 501 compared with last June’s 224, according to Metro Parks Tacoma.
Franklin Park saw about a one-third increase, and Jefferson Park saw a 25 percent increase.
The number of meals dropped at Wright Park, possibly because the wading pool is shut down and undergoing renovation.
Metro Parks Tacoma is among several community agencies and school districts sponsoring free meals under a program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The purpose is to ensure that children in low-income areas who receive free or reduced-price lunch during the school year won’t go hungry in the summer.
However, any child ages 1 through 18 years old, regardless of income, can eat at the sites.
Before this summer’s program started, Metro Parks recreation coordinator Rick Cottey speculated the recession would trigger more use of the free meal program.
But it’s tough to dissect exactly what prompts lunch crowds to rise or fall.
The number of meals served fluctuates with the weather and the activities available at parks, Cottey said.
“I do believe the meal program complements what we’re doing when we have kids out there playing and engaged in healthy activities,” he said. But, he added, “We find when it’s raining, cold or overcast, not as many people venture outside for the outside experience.”
The South Sound has been blessed with a sunny summer so far.
“At this point, because of the economic situation, I’d anticipate serving more snacks and meals this summer,” he said.
Cottey said children at local daycare centers may start frequenting nearby parks with meal programs, so that the centers can reduce costs and avoid going out of business.
Last summer, Metro Parks Tacoma sites served more than 21,000 lunches and nearly 16,000 snacks. Lunches typically consist of a sandwich, a fruit or vegetable and dip, and milk.
Tacoma schools aren’t seeing an uptick in their free meals yet this summer, said Paul Conger, with the Tacoma School District’s nutrition services department.
He said the meal counts depend almost entirely on whether an individual campus has a summer school program. Few children request the meals unless they’re in one of the programs, which do not last the full duration of the summer.
Last summer, the district served a total of 8,344 breakfasts and 1,756 lunches.
Debby Abe: 253-597-8694
debby.abe@thenewstribune.com
blogs.thenewstribune.com/street
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