Catholic Charities, Schools Offer

Free Lunches At Neahwa Park

ONEONTA – Students enrolled in the Oneonta City School District and their families will have access to free lunch this summer, a collaboration between Catholic Charities and the Oneonta City School District.

OFO and city schools will offer children and their families bus transportation July 8 through Aug. 23 to Neahwa Park from three local  mobile home villages – Lantern Hill,  Mountainview and Oneida Village – for lunch and a playtime, and drop them off back home in mid-afternoon.

“Overall, 38 percent of children in the Oneonta City School District are considered economically disadvantaged,” said Megan Martin, OFO planning and research director.  “The summer months are financially challenging, particularly for low-income families, when school-based meal and recreational programs are not available.  We hope through this initiative to ease the burden on families and promote healthy childhoods”.

The Summer Meal Program, operated by Catholic Charities of Delaware and Otsego Counties, provides free lunch in Neahwa Park to children up to age 18 and their parents.  Meals are served noon-1 p.m. Monday through Friday.  To find meal sites in other communities, visit www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks