May 24, 2011

County Executive Mangano Announces Continuation Of Summer Food Services Program
70,000 Lunches Expected To Be Provided To Eligible Children

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced today that Nassau County expects to provide 70,000 meals at no cost to children 18 years and younger during the annual Nassau County Summer Food Services Program. While partially funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and the New York State Education Department, Mangano stated “this was a priority that I refused to delete from our budget. It is simply unacceptable that any person, particularly children in Nassau County go hungry. I remain committed that the County participate in the summer lunch program and that we do all we can to ensure children receive proper nutrition.”

The summer lunches, administered by the Department of Social Services, will be provided to eligible youths who either attend an approved camp or community based program during this July and August. Camps and programs that provide the free lunches have previously enrolled with the County to become a summer lunch site.

According to DSS Commissioner John Imhof, “No child should experience hunger and both the County Executive and the Department of Social Services are fully committed to this project.”

Nassau County Health Commissioner Dr. Maria Torroella Carney also noted that “access to the Nassau County Summer Lunch Program will undeniably provide many positive health benefits for our children – improving growth, preventing illness, and helping mood and behavior.”

As camp and community program schedules vary, anyone interested in the Summer Food Program or requiring additional information is encouraged to call Mr. Carl DeHaney, Jr., Special Assistant to the DSS Commissioner at (516) 227-7406.