Inside the gym of the Berkeley Youth Alternatives Center, Renda Cary-Davis kept a tally on her clipboard as a gaggle of children lined up for lunch. Counselors’ reminders of “wait your turn” rose above the chatter as Cary-Davis checked off each meal.
Each burrito, orange and chocolate milk carton came courtesy of the California Department of Education’s Summer Food Service Program, which has funded Berkeley’s summer lunch program for the past 20 years. Nine locations throughout the city provide about 800 to 1,000 lunches per day from June to mid-August to youth under 18.
Cary-Davis has worked as the extended care director for Berkeley Youth Alternatives for 16 years, serving 45 to 60 lunches per day for youth in the surrounding community during the summer.
Affectionately called “Miss Renda” by her employees and charges, she sees the impact of the program on families on a daily basis. Amid her many visitors, a single mother with three children stands out in her memory.
“They would come in every now and then and were always very appreciative and polite,” Cary-Davis said. “Some families don’t come every day. Homeless people are very mobile, so I think they’re going to other sites. Some have homes on and off.”
The program aims to replace lunches that students normally receive during the school year, acknowledging that nutritious meals are more difficult to afford for low-income families. In order for a site to serve free lunch and snacks, at least 50 percent of youth enrolled in the nearest school must qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
“We all recognize that having the proper fuel to promote energy is important for learning, which is one of the most important things that kids have to do,” said Frank Worrell, associate dean for academic affairs at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Education. “It’s important particularly in the context of the individuals of low-income families who are not necessarily getting balanced meals.”
The Department of Education’s Nutrition Services Division funds the program through a monthly reimbursement system that operates on a year-to-year contract, meaning its continuance depends on the state budget, according to Ethel Leonares, senior management analyst for parks, recreation and waterfront in Berkeley.
The 27,976 lunches served in 2009 added up to $115,728 when combined with administrative expenses, according to Leonares.
The lunch program often works in conjunction with community programs, which provide safe havens and a sense of community.
Cal State Northridge student Christian Sheppard was raised in the neighborhood, spending his summers and afternoons at Berkeley Youth Alternatives. The ties he developed to the center and his close relationship with Cary-Davis bring him back during the summer to help out, he said.
“It’s all about peace and violence prevention,” Sheppard said. “It’s a place to have fun. There’s no telling what’s going on in their personal lives. They can laugh, go on field trips and relax for the five hours they’re here.”
Educating youth about nutrition is a central focus of the program.
“Nutrition is a big part of it. A lot of kids don’t even eat really. When school is in, they get a meal. During summer time, a lot of kids are out of food,” said Ginsi Bryant, assistant recreation supervisor of parks, recreation and waterfront.
According to Phil Harper-Cotton, recreation supervisor of aquatics, teams and sports programs, the nutritional standard for the lunches is high. Meals must be 50 percent organic, with no trans-fats and low sugar content. The nutrition standards have to fit the city’s food policy as well as the Department of Education’s food guidelines.
Sharing meals and time together allows the community to come together.
“Everyone here is really welcoming,” said Sherry Dixon, a parent of one of the children in the program who just started this week. “(Everyone) always greets you with a smile.”