June 28, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
COLUMBIA - This afternoon, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball was joined by Rep. John Sarbanes and County officials at a press conference to raise awareness of the free Summer Food Programs available to families in need. The programs are especially important to parents who do not qualify for federal nutrition assistance but still depend on food assistance programs, and children who normally rely on school meals and are especially vulnerable during the summer months. The food access programs are a collaboration between the Governor’s Office for Children, Howard County government agencies, Howard County Public Schools and the Howard County Library System. More information can be found here. Video of the kickoff event can be found here. Photos can be found here.
The food access programs happening in Howard County this summer include:
- Free Hot Lunch Sites (Howard County Public School System)
- Weekend Warrior Snack Packs (Howard County Government)
- Healthy Little Cooks - Free Cooking Class (Howard County Government)
- Summer Snacks (Howard County Library System)
- Roving Radish (Howard County Government)
“No one in our community should be forced to choose between air conditioning during these hot summer months, paying their rent, and having enough food on the table,” said Ball. “We are getting the word out about our Summer Food Programs to make sure every family knows, in Howard County, healthy meals are available and accessible to anyone who needs them.”
“Summer food programs provide our children with free and nutritious meals while the school year’s out and help relieve stress for families working hard to get by,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “I want to thank County Executive Ball for helping increase public awareness about the food programs that are available and accessible to Howard County residents this summer.”
“Good nutrition is fundamental to learning and growth, so it is essential that our school system and community help give all children consistent access to healthy food,” said Superintendent Michael J. Martirano. “HCPSS is proud to join our county government, library system and other local partners to support a growing number of Howard County families in meeting this basic need.”
“This program represents the strength and commitment of our multi-sector partners to come together alongside government to address one of our most basic human needs – food insecurity,” said Jacqueline R. Scott, Director of the Department of Community Resources and Services. “Our goal is to ensure that no child or family in Howard County goes hungry.”