February 28, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced plans today to provide free lunch and snacks to students during the week of spring break, April 6-9th, in partnership with the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), the Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS), Howard County Library System, and Roving Radish. The meals will be provided to youth, ages 18 and younger, at Howard County Library’s East Columbia Branch, Oakland Mills Middle School, and the North Laurel Community Center from 11:30 am – 1 pm. No application, fees, or enrollment is required for the meals.
“The importance of a nutritious meal cannot be underestimated,” said Ball. “Regular meals are an important part of a child’s growth and educational success, and we’re thankful to our community partners for ensuring lunch and snacks during school breaks."
"This wonderful collaboration with county partners will ensure that all children have access to healthy and delicious meals during spring break," said Dr. Michael Martirano, HCPSS Superintendent. "Many of our students rely on the meals they receive at school each day and this partnership, similar to our partnerships to provide meals over the summer, will help us ensure Howard County children have access to healthy, nourishing meals.”
The East Columbia Branch of the Howard County Library System will also have free classes throughout the week focusing on nutrition, how food is grown, and the importance of pollinators. Additionally, the East Columbia 50+ Center will be hosting a cooking class with Healthy Little Cooks.
“The Department of Community Resources and Services is proud to play a role in such an important initiative designed to support our youth,” said Jacqueline R. Scott, DCRS Director. “It is important to provide young people with healthy food options during times when schools are out. This is also an opportunity to teach them why balanced nutrition is at the center of a healthy lifestyle, and there is no better place than our 50+ Centers to help impart this intergenerational lifelong lesson.”