Report Shows Vernon Handed Out Thousands More Free Meals In 2020

VERNON, CT — The amount of free summer meals handed out in Vernon more than tripled in 2020, the town's youth services director said Thursday.

The program took place until Aug. 28. It was a continuation of the school meals program that began in mid-March and ran through the end of June. More than 50,000 meals were served by the school system with children staying home because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The summer program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the state Department of Education.

Vernon Youth Services Director Michelle Hill said 13,934 breakfasts and the same amount of lunches this summer. That was a huge leap from the 4,781 lunches and 1,024 breakfasts served in the summer of 2019.

Hill cited several factors. She said the coronavirus kept many people local and also kept some parents out of work. The drive-up system at Vernon Center Middle School was also convenient because an exception was made for 2020 and children did not need to be present for the meals.

Normally the summer meals are distributed in parks and children have to be present, Hill said.

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This story is part of Patch's new partnership with Feeding America. Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.

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