As summer vacation continues, local schools are working together to ensure children have access to nutritious meals while classes are out.
The Clarendon County School District distributed 1,206 meals to local families during the latest week of its Summer Meal Giveaway program, according to the district.
The weekly initiative provides free multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and younger through drive-through distribution sites at Walker Gamble Elementary School, Scott's Branch Middle/High School and the Clarendon County School District administrative offices in Manning.
District officials credited the success of the program to the efforts of the district's nutrition staff and a number of community partners who assisted with preparing and distributing the meals.
Among those recognized were the Manning High School FFA program and instructor, the Manning Police Department, the Manning High School football team and district office staff.
"We are committed to ensuring our students stay nourished through the summer months," the district said in a social media post announcing the latest distribution totals.
The district's final summer meal distribution is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1.
Laurence Manning Academy also partnered with the Power Packs Project to serve local families during the summer break.
According to the school, more than 120 meal kits were picked up at the campus during a recent weekly distribution, providing breakfasts and lunches for more than 120 area children.
The academy said its Student Council members volunteered throughout the process, helping organize, load and distribute meal boxes while welcoming families during pickup.
"These students stepped up to make a difference in our community," the school said in a social media post. "We're proud to see them living out what it means to serve others."
The Power Packs Project is designed to help bridge the gap in food access during the summer months when school cafeterias are closed, ensuring children continue to receive nutritious meals until classes resume.
