Kids, smiles, food, sunshine -- Natomas Unified's Summer Feeding Program kicked off in grand style Friday (June 6) at American Lakes School. The celebration by the District's Food Services Department featured a free barbecue lunch, face painting, music and a farmers market that distributed free fruits and vegetables. Festivities marked the formal launch of an eight-campus program that will provide free lunches to children 18 and younger throughout the summer, until Aug. 8. Meals will be served about 11:30 a.m. each weekday at American Lakes, Jefferson, Bannon Creek and Natomas Park elementary schools, Leroy Greene Academy, Natomas Middle School, and Inderkum and Natomas high schools. No paperwork is required and any child who shows up will be fed. The goal is to ensure that all children have access to a healthy meal during summer months when school is not in session. For more information call 916-567-5472. At Friday's kickoff event at American Lakes School, guests dined on barbecue chicken, potato salad, dinner roll and various fruits or vegetables, including grapes, apples, tomatoes and broccoli. The following are photos from today's event:
