The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning’s Nutrition Services Division, in partnership with the Bryan County Board of Commissioners, will kick-off the summer meals season on Tuesday, June 27 at Sawmill Landing Apartments in Pembroke. 

The event is being held in conjunction with Farm to Summer Week, which brings awareness to the many opportunities that summer brings to serve fresh, local foods and hands-on agriculture activities that help children develop healthy habits. 

During the event, children and teens 18 and younger will receive free nutritious meals through Happy Helpings, Georgia’s Summer Food Service Program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Meals will be served in the community center from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. 

In addition to the meals, kids can enjoy physical activities like hop scotch, egg toss, bean bag toss and jump rope, a hydration station and taste testing of local fruit.

 “We are excited to partner with Bryan County Board of Commissioners to bring summer meals and fun physical activities to the children of the Pembroke community,” said Tamika Boone, Director of Nutrition Services for DECAL’s Nutrition Division. “Happy Helpings’ meals can help fill the nutritional gap during the summer when school is out, so that kids get the nutrition they need to learn, play and grow,” she added. 

Wendy Futch, Happy Helpings Program Administrator for the Bryan County Board of Commissioners, added “We are thrilled to host the Kick-Off Event at Sawmill Landing. Along with DECAL, we will also have a number of community partners and agencies joining in the fun for the day.” 

Last summer, more than 2.8 million free meals were served to kids at 875 meal sites across Georgia. Happy Helpings’ meal sites are located throughout the state at designated sites including parks, libraries, churches and apartment complexes.

 Families can find a Happy Helpings meal site in their area by texting “summer meals” to 914-342-7744 or using the www.FoodFinder.us website or app