Area children were pleased with the first meal of the program. (The Herald/ Joe King)

With the goal of assuring children will have the same availability to nutritious meals as they do during the school year, the Tennessee Department of Human Services has partnered with the USDA and local services.

The kickoff for the 2012 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) was held June 7 at the Seymour branch of the Boys & Girls Club.

“This program fits in nicely with our own because we place a heavy emphasis on healthy eating habits and developing life-skills,” said Eric Harper, Director of the Seymour branch of the Boys & Girls Club.

The SFSP provides free meals and snacks to low income children ages 18 and younger while school is out for the summer. To celebrate the beginning of the statewide program, the Summer Kick-Off Event provided information on how the community can have a successful program and meet the critical need for proper child nutrition.

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