Aiken County groups aim to feed kids during summer months
AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - School’s out — and so are the meals students normally receive during the day.
The summer EBT program once helped bridge the summer hunger gap, providing $120 in grocery benefits per eligible child.
But that was before Georgia and South Carolina opted out of the program this year — leaving many families scrambling for their next meal.
Aiken County Parks and Recreation teamed up with the Serenity Charity Club to feed Aiken County kids through the summer.
Serenity Charity Club in Aiken County has been feeding kids in the community for nearly 5 years, stepping up and serving love in the form of lunch.
Where to get food for kids while school is out
As school gets out, it can become harder to feed kids as food insecurity becomes more common in our area. Many organizations and government entities are offering ways for children to be fed while school is out.
The groups are calling the program Summer Break Cafe and it provides free breakfast and lunch to students.
On the first day of their program, they ed out nearly 200 meals — and they say as the weeks go by— that number will continue to grow.
When summer comes — school doors close, but hunger doesn’t take a vacation.
“When they’re out of school in the summer and, it gets the kids fed and they can play in the park and grab a little snack for lunch,” Jeff Mayberry, the Supervisor of Harrison-Caver Park, says.
For many families, summer doesn’t just stretch daylight — it stretches finances.
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“It’s kind of taking the place of the South Carolina EBT,” Mayberry says. “The parents can bring their kids to show a student ID or a report card grade card. Bring your kids and the family and get a snack.”
Each meal carries more than calories — it carries kindness.
“Hot dogs, pizza, various other good treats and some healthy snacks as well,” Mayberry recalls.
And a promise — that no kid has to face an empty stomach alone.
“There’s normally 70 folks that we feed.”
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Each summer, the line gets longer.
“I think this year probably could be our biggest year we just had the tornado down here in the Langley area and Helene, people are still struggling with that as well trying to get pick up and clean up,” Mayberry explains. “With the economy these days, food prices going up, what a great chance to come and get a snack, breakfast, and lunch for free.”
And when families show up, they find hope and sometimes, hope just comes with a side of apple sauce.
The only requirement for assistance is proof that the child is in school, like a report card.
The program started June 2 and runs until July 18.
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PICKUP LOCATIONS:
- Aiken Recreation serves lunch from 12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- Summerfield Park serves lunch from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
- Wellington Estates serves lunch from 1:15 p.m. - 2 p.m.
- Clearwater Village serves lunch from 1:15 p.m. - 2 p.m.
- Gloverville Park serves lunch from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
- Lollar Park serves lunch from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
- Harrison-Caver Park serves breakfast and lunch from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- Hankinson Boxing Gym serves breakfast and lunch from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Roy Warner Park serves breakfast and lunch from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Golden Harvest Food Bank is also stepping up to feed families during the summer with its Summer Sprouts Program.
The Aiken County Public School District is also stepping up.
From June 2 through 26, students will be able to go to area elementary and high schools to receive free meals.
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