The Dawson County School System’s “Seamless Summer” meal program successfully provided 5,500 meals to local school children during the months of June and July, according to School Nutrition Director Linda Byrd. 

The program, which feeds local children and their families every year, looked different this year than usual due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Meals were pre-bagged, and those wanting to pick up a meal came to designated pick-up points to do so. Because of this and the lower number of summer activities, participation in the summer meal program was a little lower than under normal circumstances, according to Byrd. 

“There was less participation this summer due to the fact that there were not as many camps, local activities and gatherings as in past years,” Byrd said.

But despite the slightly lower participation, the school system was still able to serve the community with the meal distribution.

“Parents, students and the community participated in the program on a limited basis,” Byrd said. “The Seamless Summer Program is a great outreach program to serve our community.”