Blazers Center Ruben Boumtje Boumtje and the BlazerDancers were on hand the week of July 7-14 to help support the Summer Food Program and the Summer Food Awareness week organized by the Oregon Hunger Relief Task Force.

Boumtje Boumtje joined Governor Kulongoski at the Blazers Boys and Girls Club on Wednesday, July 9th where the pair talked with the kids about the importance of good nutrition. Boumtje Boumtje also took time to have a Q & A session with the children.

The Summer Food Program is a USDA program that aims to combat childhood hunger. Free meals are provided to children in low-income areas. Each day a different Summer Food site across
Multnomah County was highlighted and activities were provided for
the children.

“We wanted to make the community aware that their support for Summer Food is an important part of the solution to childhood hunger. Oregon ranks among the top states in the nation in hunger, and Oregon's children bear the brunt of that burden,” a Summer Food Program volunteer explained.

On Thursday, July 10, the BlazerDancers and Doc Hatfield of Oregon Country Beef joined Ruben Boumtje Boumtje at Self Enhancement, Inc.’s Boise-Elliot site. The group joined the children for a lunch of roast beef provided by Hatfield.

After lunch, Hatfield, the BlazerDancers, and Boumtje Boumtje each spoke to the children about the importance of the Summer
Food Program’s slogan, “Eat Smart, Play Hard”.

The lessons learned through Food education will translate into better school performance and high achievement. To learn more click on the related stories below.

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Summer Food Program Background Information

Summer Food Program FAQ