KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Knox County Community Action Committee is rolling out its summer nutrition program, providing free meals for kids while school is out.
The program has 92 sites across Knox County and is open to anyone under 18. CAC said the goal is to replace the breakfasts and lunches kids count on during the school year.
Chocolate milk, applesauce, a sandwich and carrots — simple staples, but for thousands of kids, they can make a big difference.
“The idea of the program is to replace a lot of the meals that the kids were getting that were healthy meals that they were getting through the Knox County School,” said Adam Caraco, who helps coordinate the nearly 170,000 meals served over the summer.
All meals are served at what they call open sites. The qualification is that you’re under 18.
The Emerald Youth Foundation is one of 92 locations. Summer Program Coordinator Riley Eldridge has been serving these meals for years.
“It’s the joy of my life. I love it,” Eldridge said. “Just to know that we can guarantee that that need is met, whether it is a big need for a family or not, we have the resources to meet it.”
For many kids, it’s the consistency that counts, especially after the school year ends.
“A lot of our students moving from the school year where they’re able to receive breakfast and lunch at school into the summer, it can be a little bit nerve-wracking for them,” Eldridge said. “You know, where am I going to get what I used to get at school? Am I going to be able to receive that? To be able to fill that gap is really important to us.”
Eldridge said the program provides fulfillment for the kids, knowing that they can eat and that it’s always there for them if they need it, but also for the parents to know that they send their students there every day and they’re going to be fed.
At the Emerald Youth Foundation site alone, they serve nearly 70 campers a day, plus any neighborhood kids who walk up.
“I think that food and being fed and knowing that is a sure, accessible resource that they have just can create so much safety and security in their life,” Eldridge said.
On busy days, CAC said it serves nearly 12,000 meals and expects to provide about 170,000 meals over the summer.
Kids are required to eat on-site, but later this summer, CAC will also offer a drive-through pickup option in some rural areas. Families will be able to pick up a box for each child under 18 with seven breakfasts and seven lunches inside.
The program runs through the summer at locations throughout the county, including community centers and summer programs. Kids can stop in during posted meal times.
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