Biddeford and many other York County residents had the opportunity to get free breakfasts and lunches for their children throughout the summer, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program, which is offered at schools and community buildings throughout the state and country.

For those who took advantage ”“ and even enjoyed a meal with their children ”“ we applaud you.

Several school districts in York County, including Sanford and Saco, participate but this was the first summer the Biddeford School Department took part. It was a success, according to Patti Googins, who managed the summer meal program and is in charge of the cafeteria at Biddeford High School.

“Everyone that came, came back,” she said in a recent interview.

Between the two meals, the kitchen served an average of about 160 people at the height of the summer, according to Googins.

Patrons seemed to believe the program was a success as well.

Last week, Christine Aldrich enjoyed a meal with her three daughters, which she said they did several times a week throughout the summer.

“With three kids at home all summer, it’s a big savings,” she said.

Also, she added, it keeps the children busy.

Adults were able to join in for $3.25 per meal, while children’s meals are paid for through the USDA.

The program is a win-win for school districts and residents. Since there is no food cost to the district and no cost for children to eat, more people should take advantage of the service to feed their children healthy, well-rounded meals ”“ and even parents themselves can eat for a low price while getting some quality time with their children.

Program organizers say meals must meet USDA guidelines, and include specific amounts of milk, meat or meat alternatives, grains, and fruits and vegetables. The meals help children maintain proper nutrition, and the good, quality foods ensure they have energy throughout the day.

Free meals are offered at about 200 sites throughout the state each summer, and about 450,000 meals are served, according to DOE Summer Food Service Program Manager Gail Lombardi.

In an interview earlier this summer, Lombardi said despite the success so far, the program is only reaching about 17 percent of the eligible children in the state. This is why Biddeford and other organizations offering the meals should push for a campaign next year to ensure all children in need of meals throughout the summer are able to partake.

The program in Sanford has been running for nearly two decades and serves about 400 meals each summer. Hopefully Biddeford’s program will spread next summer to reach more families, too.

Parents should take advantage of the program even if they don’t need to save the money because too often meals made at home consist of too much pre-packaging and too few fresh, healthy foods. Due to the USDA standards, each meal served in the Summer Food Service Program is required to be balanced with protein, carbohydrates and fruits and vegetables ”“ giving families a healthy alternative that won’t break the budget.

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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham, on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.