[WardFive] DPR Receives Healthy Meals Program Grant

Wednesday, 15 April 2015

[WardFive] DPR Receives Healthy Meals Program Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2015

DPR Receives Healthy Meals Program Grant
Funds will supplement Free Summer Meals Program

DPR Media Contacts:
Brian Armstead, (202) 746-2092, brian.armstead@dc.gov
Rachel Newman, (202) 340-2910, rachel.newman@dc.gov

Washington, DC - This week, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) was named one of 80 nationwide recipients for the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) and Walmart Foundation partnership grant to support out-of-school time healthy food access and nutrition literacy. Through the $2.3 million shared grant from the Walmart Foundation, recipient park and recreation agencies received funds to supplement out-of-school time feeding programs.

This grant ties into DPR's annual participation with the Office of the State Superintendent for Education (OSSE) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Free Summer Meals Program. From June 22 through August 21, 2015, kids and teens eat free at select DPR Camp Sites and non-DPR Summer Meals Program sites.

"No child or teen should go hungry when traditional, in-school, free meal programs are not being served during the summer months. Through this grant, the District will be able to ensure that young people will have the nourishment they need," said Mayor Muriel Bowser. "The District is committed to giving our young people the tools and resources they need to succeed, from providing early childcare to job training."

"The Department of Parks and Recreation is proud to serve as a host facility for the Free Summer Meals Program. Since many young people are already in DPR facilities during the summer months through camps, programs or through the Summer Youth Employment Program, it only makes sense to deploy this needed resource through DPR," said DPR's Acting Director Keith A. Anderson.

For more information, visit: dcsummermeals.dc.gov

About DPR

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) provides quality urban recreation and leisure services for residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. DPR supervises and maintains area parks, community facilities, swimming pools and spray parks, and neighborhood recreation centers. The agency also coordinates a wide variety of recreation and educational programs including sports leagues, youth development, therapeutic recreation, aquatic programming, outdoor adventure, camping, and senior citizen activities. Adaptive programs and facilities are available for persons with disabilities.

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