Approximately 48 percent of students in the Washoe County School District qualify for free lunch at school, but hunger can be risk during the summer months when these meals aren't available.
Last year, about 27 hundred students in Washoe County participated in the summer meals program and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada wants to expand this effort. They're joining forces with several community partners to provide free, nutritious meals for children through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program. Jocelyn Lantrip is with the Food Bank. She says the key to expansion is connecting with families.
"The biggest challenge, I believe, is getting the word out and letting people know that there isn't any paperwork to do, that the children can show up and eat a lunch. They they don't need to be pre-qualified, because their neighborhood is qualified."
Meals will be available at several locations throughout Washoe County including the Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows and several area apartment complexes.
An expansion of the school meals program will take effect statewide in the fall. Today, Governor Brian Sandoval will sign a bill requiring breakfast to be served at schools where at least 70 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.
