La Casa summer food program underway for another summer

Another summer means the return of the La Casa Family Health Center's free summer food program.

One benefit of the free food program is it pumps money into the local economies of Clovis and Portales according to La Casa Chief Executive Officer Seferino Montaño.

"The food is bought locally. The money comes from the federal government, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to the state then to the La Casa summer food program," Montaño said.

Montaño was in Clovis Tuesday for the opening day kickoff for the program at Hillcrest Park.

The first day gathering featured speakers, free lunches and prizes.

In attendance were La Casa Director of Outreach David Briseño, Clovis Mayor Mike Morris, City Commissioner/Mayor Pro Tem Chris Bryant and El Desayuno Kiwanis representative Raymond Mondragon. The Kiwanis club donated a majority of prizes for Tuesday's event.

"Because of the economy there are many children who go without food. This program provides meals they may not have," Montaño said.

Montaño pointed out with the high cost of food the program also provides some relief, saving families some money.

Clovis mother Stephanie Argentum has three children she will be bringing to the program.

"I like the chance to get out with the kids and get a nice snack," Argentum said.

Juanita and Mark Hemsath were at the food program kickoff with their grandchildren.

"This gives the kids some good food," Mark said.

"The kids get the opportunity to get out of the house for a bit, not plugged into the TV or a video game," Juanita said.

Bernada Duran has four children she'll be bringing to the program.

"The kids can come out here and enjoy the day and the food," Duran said.

Breakfasts and lunches will be served Mondays through Fridays until Aug. 2.

According to a program outline from La Casa, all meals are "grab and go."

The children have to be present to receive meals.

Breakfasts are available 8:30 a.m. to10 a.m and lunches are available from noon until 1:30 p.m.

Clovis locations for breakfast and lunch are: Arts Academy at Bella Vista, Dennis Chavez Park, Doc Stewart Pavilion, Highland Park, La Casita Elementary, Maria's Montessori School, First Methodist Church, Homestead Site, Jaslynn's Daycare, Potter Park, Salvation Army, Sandia Elementary, St. John's Baptist Church, Westbrook Baptist Church, Hillcrest Park near the Youth Recreation Building, Marshall Sixth Grade Academy, Lockwood Elementary, CHS Freshmen Academy, Clovis High School, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lions Park, and Plains Housing.

There are Clovis locations where only lunch is served: Greene Acres Park, Homestead Site, Sunrise Trailer Park, Patrick Sandoval Park, and Sunset Park.

Portales locations for breakfast and lunch are: Buena Vida Park, City Park, Lindsey Park, Morrison Park, Portales High School summer programs location, Enchantment Kiddie Academy, Honey

Babes Childcare, James Elementary, Portales Junior High, and Rotary Park.

Portales locations where only lunch is served are: Alta Terra, ENMU sports camps, Floyd Schools sports camps, and any other camps or school programs.

Lunch only is served in Melrose from noon to 1 p.m. at the Melrose Schools playground.

If more information is needed, La Casa's phone number is 575-356-6695.