Community Development Re-creation, in conjunction with Mayor Robert Correia’s Office, kicked-off the 2008 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) at Ruggles Park on June 27, 2008. The Program is administered nationally by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Massachusetts Department of Education and was established to ensure that children in needy areas could continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer months that are comparable to those served under the National School Lunch Program. Free lunch is available to children 18 years of age and younger, Monday through Friday, from Monday, June 23^rd through August 29^th, with the exception of July 4^th.  North, Griffin, Lafayette, and Ruggles Parks as well as Father Diaferio Village will serve lunch from 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM. Abbott Court, Kennedy, Maplewood, and Pulaski Park will serve lunch from Noon to 1:00 PM. Park activities will also be provided from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. “I am happy to support this program that is offered free of charge throughout the ten-week summer vacation. It  provides an alternative for parents who cannot afford to send their child to camp or day care with structured activities for their children as well as nutritious lunch to children who often would have nothing else to do during the day or who might not have lunch at all,” stated Mayor Robert Correia. Grace S. Gerling, Executive Director of CD-REC stated that she is “looking forward to another successful summer.  This program has been servicing the youth of our community for the past twelve years. This program has expanded greatly, and will continue to grow and serve the needs of the ever-changing population.” Click here to read the Herald News article about the event. Click here to see photos from last summer. For more information about the programs, contact CD-REC at 508-679-0922.
 

(Top row, left) Community Development Re-creation Executive Director Grace S. Gerling describes the program to Mayor Correia as Program Director Jamison Souza listens. (Top row, center) Ben Rob, Lance DeSousa and Ryan Harvey wait patiently for the opening of the lunch distribution line. (Top row, right) Jamison high-fives some of the young people waiting in line. (Middle row, left) CD-REC Lunch & Park staff Robert O'Melia and Jahnna Khoury get the lunch bags ready to hand out. (Middle row, right) Jahnna pulls out several low-fat milk containers to hand out. (Bottom row, left) Jan Napolifano gives her two-year-old son, Joey, his lunch. (Bottom row, center) Jahnna hands a lunch bag to Rasheek White. (Bottom row, right) The Mayor joins the staff in handing out lunches as Grace and Robert look on.