LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Maribel Valdez,

(Laredo, Tx)- During the school year, many children receive free and reduced breakfast and lunch meals at LISD however, hunger does not take a vacation and this is why once again the Laredo Independent School District Child Nutrition Department will be offering free meals.

 Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples along with the LISD Director of Child Nutrition Roberto Cuellar were at C.L. Milton Elementary School to announce that Laredo ISD will have free meals and snacks for children 18 years and younger during the summer at over 68 sites around the Laredo community.

 Staples addressed the importance of having a good meal and education.  He stated, “Hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process.  Lack of nutrition during the summer months may set up a cycle for poor performance once school begins again.  Hunger also may make children prone to illness and other health related issues.”  His message was reinforced by Milton Elementary school principal Elsa Flores who also touched on the three E’s of nutrition.  She explained that education, eating right, and exercise contribute to a student’s overall performance.  City of Laredo Pro-Temp Cindy Liendo-Espinoza also addressed the students and expressed the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

 The summer feeding program is designed to fill the nutrition gap and make sure that children can get the nutritious meals they need.  Cuellar also awarded C.L. Milton Elementary first grade student Carlos Rojas a certificate for his winning art logo that combined a message of nutrition and education.  His art piece was submitted for breakfast promotion to the National School Breakfast Program.

 For more information on the Summer Feeding Program and for a list of sites you may dial 211 or contact Robert Cuellar, Director of Child Nutrition at (956)273-1600 or (956)273-1612.