Kids at Hope CommUnity Center’s summer camp are fans of healthy food.
“I love them,” 7-year-old Jose exclaimed about fruits and vegetables. “They make you grow!”
He was enjoying a chicken wrap with vegetables in it, along with a side of carrot sticks during a recent lunch in June. His summer program in Apopka is one of more than 50 Summer BreakSpot sites supported by Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida that serves free breakfasts and lunches to kids under 18 all summer.
Volunteers help prep and pack meals at Mercy Kitchen, which are then delivered to community centers, summer camps, and other places where children can safely gather for a meal, Monday through Friday.
“I think it’s something really cool to have,” said Yesenia, the Youth Empowerment Education Coordinator at Hope CommUnity Center. “In the morning for breakfast, sometimes they don’t have time and eat breakfast here because their parents are in a rush. Many students are excited to see cereals or muffins. It’s just really good food that’s good quality.”
She said the meals provided by Second Harvest also give parents peace of mind because it alleviates financial strain.
“They’re always really thankful for it,” Yesenia said.
Kids and parents alike are happy with the types of food served, as well as the nutritional value, she said.
Eli’s three children attend the summer camp at Hope CommUnity Center, and she volunteers there every day serving the meals.
“I’m thankful for Second Harvest bringing some food for all the kids, not just mine,” she said. “During the summer, they don’t go to school anymore to get those meals, but they can come here.”
Her son Sebastian, 9, is a big fan of chocolate milk.
“It just tastes good,” he reported.
Eli’s daughter Ivanna said she likes fruits and vegetables. However, her favorite item from the summer menu so far has been the breakfast cinnamon rolls.
“Those are probably my favorite food ever,” she said.
The other kids there gave similar reports on the food provided by Second Harvest.
There was high praise for the applesauce, sandwiches, chicken strips, and even the tomatoes.
“It’s something that surprised the other moms and me,” Yesenia said about the kids eating and liking most everything they are offered. “We have a little return table (for unopened food), and it has been all gone.”
