Kansas is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to kids taking advantage of the Summer Food Service Program. Only 7 percent of eligible children participate. That’s the lowest in the nation reports the Hays Daily News.
One reason for dismal participation rates in a state where one out of every four children live in poverty could be the lack of serving sites.
The Kansas State Department of Education reports there are 40 counties statewide with no serving site. The only counties in northwest Kansas with summer programs are Ellis, Russell, and Smith counties.
Approved summer sites don’t have to be in schools. Some of the other locations with summer food service programs are churches, community centers, recreation centers, food banks, medical centers, senior centers, or even libraries.