PINE BUSH – July 2025
The Pine Bush Central School District has officially kicked off its second annual free summer meal distribution program, aimed at supporting local families facing food insecurity. Beginning this Wednesday, the district has already registered over 900 families, marking a strong response from the community.
Weekly Meal Kits for Families in Need
Designated as a rural district, Pine Bush qualifies for a program that allows families to receive weekly meal kits containing enough food for five days. These kits include fruits, vegetables, cereal, bread, peanut butter and jelly, cheese, and milk, ensuring children have access to nutritious meals even while school is out.
Caitlin Lazarski, the district’s Director of School Nutrition, emphasized the importance of the program amid growing economic challenges.
“People are struggling all throughout our country right now,” Lazarski said. “We want to make sure families are not forced to choose between feeding their kids healthy meals or paying for essentials like gas or rent.”
USDA-Funded and Community Supported
The summer meal program is funded through USDA reimbursements and is operated in collaboration with the American Dairy Association North East and Cornell Cooperative Extension. These partnerships help ensure that high-quality, nutritious food reaches children who need it most.
By offering healthy, accessible options, the district hopes to relieve financial pressure for many households and promote better eating habits among youth during the summer months.
How to Participate
Meal kits are distributed every Wednesday through August, and families can sign up directly through the Pine Bush Central School District’s website. The process is simple, and participation is open to all district families with children in need of summer meals.
This initiative not only addresses food insecurity but also highlights the district’s ongoing commitment to student wellness—even outside of the academic year.
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