Students enrolled in the Oneonta City School District and their families will have access to free lunch this summer in part to a collaboration between Opportunities for Otsego and the Oneonta City School District.

Opportunities for Otsego and the Oneonta City School District have teamed up to offer bus transportation to Neahwa Park for the Summer Meal Program from July 8th through August 23rd. Buses will pick up children and their parents from three mobile home villages in Oneonta (Lantern Hill, Mountainview, and Oneida Village) and bring them to Neahwa Park for lunch and free playtime. Buses will drop families off to their homes by mid-afternoon.

“Overall, 38% of children in the Oneonta City School District are considered economically disadvantaged”, said Megan Martin, Opportunities for Otsego Planning and Research Director. “The summer months are financially challenging, particularly for low-income families, when school-based meal and recreational programs are not available. We hope through this initiative to ease the burden on families and promote healthy childhoods”.

The Summer Meal Program, operated by Catholic Charities of Delaware and Otsego Counties, provides free lunch in Neahwa Park to children up to age 18 and their parents. Meals are served Monday through Friday from noon until 1:00PM. To find meal sites in other communities, visit www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks

About Opportunities for Otsego – OFO is a Community Action Agency that has been fighting the "War on Poverty" in Otsego County since 1966. The agency strives to alleviate poverty and fosters self-sufficiency through comprehensive and client-centered services. OFO’s mission is to be the leader in developing innovative solutions that promote healthy lives, thriving families, and caring communities.

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