Summer meal programs aims to help families stretch grocery budgets

In this episode, Misty Hale talks with Ashley Mooney, child nutrition specialist for the Russellville School District, about the district’s summer meal program and how it helps families keep kids fed while school is out.Mooney explains who qualifies, how the pickup sites work, why families need to register in advance, what kinds of meals children will receive and why parents should not feel guilty about using the program if it helps their household. The conversation also covers mobile meal sites, food allergies, keeping meals safe in the Arkansas heat and the broader need for summer food support across the River Valley.