Summer food program feeds children nutritious meals - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

The Summer Food Service Program is feeding hundreds of thousands of children in Alabama nutritious meals while they aren't in school this summer.

Healthy meals are being served five days a week, free of charge, to children 18 and under,  at locations around Alabama, many of them schools, community centers and churches.

Meals and snacks are also available to persons with disabilities, over age 18, who participate in school programs for people who are mentally or physically disabled.

For some children free or reduced price school lunches are the only meal they get, and when school is not in session many families struggle to fill the gaps in nutrition. 

The program not only provides healthy meals to children, but also teaches students how to make their own healthy choices.

Studies show that a lack of nutrition during the summer months may set up a cycle for poor performance once school begins in the fall.

The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and coordinated  through the Alabama Department of Education.

Distributions centers are located in Madison, Limestone, Jackson, Marshall, Morgan, Franklin and Lawrence counties in north Alabama. You can find your local distribution center on the Alabama Child Nutrition Program website.

If you don't have children who need food assistance, you can help others in your community by sponsoring a feeding program site or volunteering.

Copyright 2012 WAFF.  All rights reserved. WSFA contributed to this report.