Prince George’s County National Launch Of 2006 Summer Food Service Program With USDA A Success

HYATTSVILLE, MD - The Prince George's County Department of Social Services, along with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Office of the County Executive, the Office of the Governor, the Maryland State Department of Education, and County and State officials announced the start of the 2006 Summer Food Service Program on Thursday, June 8, 2006 at the Langley-Park McCormick Elementary School.

"When [Karyn Lynch, Director, DSS] first came to me she said that the Department of Social Services had this wonderful program with about 99 sites.  Now there are more than 170 located in the county," said James A. Dula, Ph.D., Deputy Chief Administrator for Health and Human Services.

The USDA presented the county with a certificate of appreciation recognizing the county's successful involvement with the program.  The program is now available at more than 170 locations throughout the county including schools, community centers, playgrounds and recreational programs, and sites administered through the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.  The Prince George's County Public School System prepares meals.

Parents and students in the third and fourth grades also participated in the event.
Jerrod Mustaf, former NBA star and University of Maryland player donated two basketballs to the school as well as played basketball with the students.
The Power Panther, USDA's Food and Nutrition mascot, posed for photos with the students. The event also highlighted the USDA's new motto "Eat Smart, Play Hard," which emphasizes exercise accompanied by good nutrition to achieve good health.

"The Summer Food Service Program is such an important part of making sure that children are receiving food during the summer," said Kate Coler, Deputy Undersecretary for the USDA.  "Most importantly it takes you the kids to eat smart and play hard and make sure you do it everyday."

More than 5,000 children are served daily through the Summer Food Service Program, which provides low-income children with daily free, nutritious meals and snacks during the summer months.

For more information on the program, please call the Prince George's County Department of Social Services' Office of Energy and Food Programs at 301-909-6343.