This summer, Carter County Schools received a mini-grant for roughly $400 from KY Kids Eat, in partnership with Anthem Medicaid. The grant was primarily spent on enrichment items, such as backpacks and books, for their summer meals program. While the money was spent on expanding the learning aspect of their program, Carter County Schools still focused on ending hunger. Overall, the staff working the summer meals program served 8,846 meals to those in need. They operated for 36 days, and sponsored 35 meals sites –18 of which were mobile.
With the grant money, Carter County Schools were able to make their summer program about more than just food. They “were able to purchase books to share with the children, and to assist the youth service center with providing back packs and back-to-school supplies” for those in need. One staff member also remarked that “it worked out well to distribute the books on Friday so that the children had something to look forward to during the week.”
When asked about the future of their summer programs, the staff said that they would benefit from more enrichment grants,” With increased funding, the summer meals program could help more children in need, as well as provide more educational activities.