Mayor Jerry DiTullio to Enjoy Summer Lunch with Children at
Healing Waters Family Center
Partnership with LiveWell Wheat Ridge, Metro Mayors Caucus, and Hunger Free Colorado Helps Bring Federal Summer Food Service Program to Wheat Ridge Children
WHEAT RIDGE – The City of Wheat Ridge is pleased to announce that on Thursday, July 7th Mayor Jerry DiTullio will visit Healing Waters Family Center to enjoy a healthy summer meal with children. Healing Waters Family Center (6475 W. 29th Avenue) is part of a nationwide effort to ensure that all children have access to the nutrition they need to be healthy and active all summer long.
In Jefferson County, 30.6 percent of children qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. When school lets out for the summer, many children lose access to these nutritious meals. “We are proud to have the support of several local non-profits as well as the Federal Summer Food Service Program to provide healthy lunches to children in the City,” said Mayor DiTullio. “Helping local parents provide wholesome lunches to their children helps improve the overall health of our community.”
Healing Waters Family Center provides free meals through the federally funded Summer Food Service Program to any child age 18 or under. Meals are served at 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday until July 29th. There are no income or registration requirements. “Healing Water Family Center is excited to be partnering with Hunger Free Colorado on such an important program,” said Senior Pastor Joseito Velasquez. “Being able to satisfy the needs of kids and their families is truly a blessing.”
This is the first year that Healing Waters Family Center has participated in the Summer Food Service Program. Based on the success of the program they are already looking to expand next year according to Meghan Moynihan at Hunger Free Colorado. So far this summer, Healing Waters Family Center has served over 2100 meals to more than 170 kids. Kathy Underhill, Executive Director of Hunger Free Colorado added, “We are thrilled that Healing Waters Family Center is providing nutritious summer meals to children. In Colorado, childhood hunger is on the rise, but through the hard work and dedication that we see in Wheat Ridge, we know we can end hunger in Colorado.” In addition to the Healing Water’s location there is also a Summer Food Service Program at Wheat Ridge Middle School at 7101 W. 38th Avenue and almost 20 throughout Jefferson County.
To find a Summer Food site near you in Jefferson County, or any place in Colorado, go to www.summerfoodcolorado.org. For additional information on getting involved with food access issues in your community please visit Hunger Free Colorado’s website at http:/www.hungerfreecolorado.org/main.html or contact LiveWell Wheat Ridge at http:/about.livewellcolorado.org/livewell-wheat-ridge
