Mayors’ Summer Food Challenge
Written by admin, Jul 28, 2009, 1 Comment
Earlier today, City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas joined approximately 200 young, laughing and hungry students at the Benavides Boys & Girls Club for lunch, provided by the Laredo Independent School District’s free Child Nutrition Program. Promoting the Mayors’ Summer Food Challenge by Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples who is encouraging mayors across the state to promote local food programs for students, Mayor Salinas wants to promote the various breakfast, lunch and snack programs offered for free by LISD to all students 18 and under.
According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas ranks first in food insecurity for children under the age of 18. A stable, nutritious diet is key to a child’s physical and mental health. Research indicates that even mild undernutrition experienced by young children during critical periods of growth impacts their behavior, school performance and overall cognitive development (Tufts University 1998 report).
The nutritious – and free – meal program offered by the Laredo Independent School District Child Nutrition Program ensures that Laredo children do not need to go hungry during the summer
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