Inside Denver’s Athmar Recreation Center on a recent Wednesday morning, a cheer squad worked up an appetite, practicing their cheers and stunts. After that, recreation supervisor April DeLeon ensured the girls were fed.
“So who’s ready for breakfast? All right!” Deleon asked as she unloaded a basket of fruit.
The breakfast is part of a recently launched meal program in city of Denver. With “Tasty Food,” all kids ages 3 to 18 years old are receiving meals this summer for free. Fresh, low-fat breakfast and lunch are served at select sites.
“It really helps me with my strongness,” Ariel Aven said with a smile.
“When I eat a good breakfast, I feel proud of myself,” Scarlett Garcia added.
The meals run through August, and anyone can participate on a first-come, first-serve basis. No ID or registration is required.
“Our hope is that accessing meals we can provide some relief for families so their financial resources can stretch,” said Andrea Garcia Schoelzel, health Initiatives admin for Denver’s Office of Children’s Affairs.