From news release:

OKLAHOMA CITY - With the beginning of the school year just around the corner, it appears a record number of children were provided free meals this summer through the Summer Feeding Program coordinated by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

"Because of the high level of poverty in Oklahoma, we know that during the school year school breakfasts and lunches are the only meals many students receive," State Superintendent Sandy Garrett said. "Hunger doesn't vanish during summer, so I'm grateful we are able to offer these meals to boys and girls who need them."

She added: "The record participation rate this year in this summer food service program obviously is both a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing in that we are able to assist more families who desperately need the help. It is a curse in that record participation proves that poverty continues to be a huge challenge for this state."

Final participation numbers won't be confirmed until the program (which includes both the Summer Food Service Program and the National School Lunch Program/Seamless Summer funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture) concludes later this month. Yet, participation thus far indicates this summer approximately:

• 26,181 children were fed each day (Monday through Friday) at 382 participating sites, compared to a daily participation rate of 21,599 children at 375 sites during summer 2005 and 21,245 children at 345 sites during summer 2004.
• 355,241 breakfasts were served, compared to 313,381 breakfasts being served during summer 2005 and 291,770 breakfasts being served during summer 2004;
• 767,900 lunches were served, compared to 704,319 during summer 2005 and 690,680 lunches during summer 2004; and
• 69,972 suppers and snacks were served, compared to 62,043 during summer 2005 and 64,264 during summer 2004.