[OPLINLIST] Summer Food Service Programs...

[Stephen Hedges]

The Nelsonville Public Library started doing this program in 1997, the
first library in Ohio to participate. Mackenzie Betts at OLC wrote an
article about that in 2005,
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3978/is_200504/ai_n13636260,
and the Nelsonville program was also included that year in a booklet
USDA published about model programs,
http://www.fns.usda.gov/CND/Summer/library/HandBooks/Model_Programs_Booklet_2005.pdf

In general, you will find that the program costs more than the
reimbursement provides. That's because it's structured for
establishments that run their own kitchens -- schools -- and libraries
will probably need to pay someone else to provide the meals.
Nelsonville contracted with the local Meals-on-Wheels folks for this,
and then asked civic organizations to donate the difference between
the cost and the reimbursement. You'll find that most civic
organizations are very eager to support a program that feeds hungry
kids.

Which brings up the big "pro" of such a service: the public relations
opportunities are absolutely golden!

Stephen

On Wed, January 7, 2009 10:05 am, Barb Scott wrote:
> All right, all of you "experienced" people out there!
>  
> The State Library of Ohio is sending out information as well as
> setting up meetings for the Summer Food Service program through the
> U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.  I am willing to approach my director about
> possibly participating in it, but would like to have first hand
> information to hand him from libraries who have had actual experience
> with this.  What are the pros/cons?
>  
> You can reply directly to me at either barbarascott1956 at yahoo.com or
> barbarascott at hotmail.com
>  
> Thank you very much for your help!
>
> Barbara Scott, Children's Librarian
> Bucyrus Public Library
> 200 East Mansfield Street
> Bucyrus, OH  44820
> 419-562-7327 x 104
> www.childrensprogramming.blogspot.com
>  
>
>
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