When children are home from school in the summer several problems may occur:  children get bored, and into trouble;  parents may be working and unable to thoroughly supervise their children;  parents may be unable to provide adequate food for children who during the school year are receiving free or subsidized school lunches.

A sizable percent of children attending Barberton Public Schools are eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches.  Because the State recognizes the need that this represents, they provide free summer lunches for local children to agencies that will distribute the lunches according to State procedures.

 During the past several years, BACM has provided eight weeks of free summer lunches to an average of 45 children daily, with an enrollment of about 200 children.  The program takes place at Decker Park at Fifth Street and Norton Avenue, near Barberton High School.  Pre-school and school-aged children are eligible for this program as long as they can feed themselves.  This program does not feed parents or babysitters, and take-home meals are not permitted.

 Normal program dates and hours: June 16, 2008 - August 15, 2008 (Except July4th) 
 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

 Thanks to the generosity of the Barberton Community Foundation and others, a free crafts and recreation program follows the lunch.

 All activities associated with the Summer Lunch  Program and the Recreation Program are fully supervised by responsible adult staff and volunteers. Registration can occur in advance or during the first week of the program.  Permission slips and emergency contact forms are required. 

 CONTACT US AT 330-745-3693 OR VIA EMAIL IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS.