In the first season of the School District’s Free Summer Lunch program, on the La Ballona Elementary campus, it is impossible to tell that classes have been recessed.
The spacious, open-windowed cafetorium is teeming with chattering youngsters – emphasis on the first syllable. A constant buzzing of activity engulfs the room amidst interaction between adults and students.
In Week Three of the six-week program initiated by Supt. Dave LaRose, it can be reported that Free Summer Lunch is winging toward a successful outcome, with a caveat or two.
Billed as a plan to feed hungry students (from anywhere) 18 and under, the accent undeniably has been tilted toward the earliest end of the scales.
Smiling as he glanced about the happy room, Mark Reyes, Food Supervisor for the School District, said that 112 satisfied mouths were fed yesterday.
While the five-days-a-week turnout fluctuates, the average has been 75, Mr. Reyes said.
“Parents tell us they are glad to have a place to bring their children in the summer when they don’t want to prepare lunches at home,” he added.
An equally lively beehive was unfolding out on the sunbaked grounds of La Ballona, too. On the basketball court, a brace of cheerleaders patiently was teaching contortions to curious students half their height.
Away in the shade, two of La Ballona’s most reliable volunteers, Andy Alexander and Madeline Ehrlich, were working their magic with the children.
Not a listener stirred in the crowd of youngsters gathered in a semi-circle at the feet of Ms. Alexander, who was reading from one of her favorite storybooks. If tested on the contents, no doubt all would have passed breezily because not a single eye strayed from page one to the end.
