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Nutrition important over summer

We learned this week that one in seven people living in Washington County at times struggles to have enough to eat.

That’s more than 8,000 people within the county. Many have jobs but still have a hard time providing themselves and their families with enough food to be healthy. The report, called Map the Meal Gap 2017, was shared by those at the Southeast Ohio Food Bank. Officials there say many of the people in this group continue to struggle with tough choices, such as whether to pay for food or medicine, car repairs or paying utilities. Too many turn to cheaper but often unhealthy food choices as a means to make ends meet. This can lead to poor health which can then lead to higher healthcare costs for everyone.

Washington-Morgan Community Action oversees a couple of programs aimed at getting food to those who need it. For seniors, its Senior Nutrition Program offers home-delivered meals, but the list of those waiting to get in the program is long.

As schools let out for summer, another program will soon begin. The Summer Food Nutrition Program begins in June at sites throughout Washington and Morgan counties. Under the program free meals are available to anyone 18 and under. It’s believed that during the school year, many children rely on free breakfast and lunch as their major food sources of the day. When school is out, there’s concern children aren’t getting at least those basic meals. The summer food program offers a free hot lunch at the following sites: New Matamoras Elementary School (740-373-3455), John Dodge Park in Beverly (740-373-3455), Lower Salem Village Hall (740-373-3455), Morgan Metropolitan Housing Authority (740-962-6696), and Chesterhill Community Building (740-962-6696). Reservations need to be made.

The Community Action program does not cover the city of Marietta. Marietta children are reached through the city’s summer playground program and other agencies which offer breakfast and lunches through their programs. The City of Marietta offers a summer swim and play program to children ages 6 to 13. The program begins June 5 and offers a free lunch as part of the program. For details about this program call 740-373-1616. Families can pre-register at the playground near the Marietta Aquatic Center from 9 a.m. to noon on June 2.

We hope every family who faces obstacles to feeding their children will take advantage of available summer food programs. Maintaining a child’s nutrition over the summer months is key to that child’s physical health, as well as their ability to keep up with their peers when school starts up again.

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