The Summer Meals program kicked off this week in Camden, New Jersey with a community festival promoting the free and nutritious meals available to kids throughout the summer.
“It’s a great opportunity for these children to have these meals,” said Eagles player Avonte Maddox, who came to support the event.
Maddox shared tips for eating vegetables of different colors and always including dairy with meals. He also sampled the smoothies available and met with dairy farmer Melanie Richman and the 3-month-old calf she brought to the event.
“Did you know that you should be eating three servings of milk and dairy products a day?” asked Richman when she addressed the crowd, “It’s very important for your body.”
This great event was just another in a long history of New Jersey dairy farmers supporting kids in Camden.
“I want everyone to know that American Dairy Association North East has supported our district for over 20 years,” said Camden School Nutrition Director Arlethia Brown.
Camden Schools Superintendent Katrina McCombs shared her own memories of taking part in the summer meals program, “I remember it was always a safe place where we could go in the summer where we were also able to get meals,” she said. “Those meals were very important – they helped me. And I’m so grateful that we’re continuing to make sure that the whole child is taken care of.”
McCombs thanked the school nutrition staff for their hard work, calling their commitment to the children ‘unwavering.’
“This means so much to our community and our families,” said Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen. “When communities come together to move forward, this improves the quality of life for our residents and our community.”
Camden will host more than 100 Summer Meals sites this year to meet families in need wherever they are.
You can find a Summer Meals location in your community by texting “summer meals” to 97779 or by clicking here.
