DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Auburn United Methodist Church will hold a Fall Festival Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 25. This is a new time of year for our annual money-making project, replacing the Shop on Park Avenue Christmas fair in November. This is a time for not just buying holiday-themed things, but for all year-round inspired items. Watch for further news as the time of the sale gets closer. — Judy, no town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lewiston School Nutrition Department would like to inform families in Lewiston of the nutritional benefits offered to their children and,  in some cases, those for adults aged 60 and older throughout the coming school year.

The Maine Department of Education oversees several USDA Food and Nutrition Services programs and initiatives that provide healthy food to children. Each of these programs helps fight hunger and obesity. Below are brief descriptions of the programs and initiatives the Lewiston Public Schools Nutrition Program is participating in:

School Breakfast Program is federally assisted and provides students up to the age of 21, who are enrolled in public and private nonprofit schools and residential child care institutions, with the fuel they need to be full, focused and ready to learn.

National School Lunch Program is federally assisted and operates in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost, or free lunches to children each school day.

Community Eligibility Provision provides districts and/or schools the ability to not collect free and reduced meal applications. All children in Lewiston Public schools eat for free.

Child and Adult Care Food Program provides nutritious meals to adults 60 and older in qualifying care facilities or for those age 18 and older who are mentally or physically impaired to the extent that it limits their independence. It provides up to two meals and one snack per adult per day.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program provides a grant to elementary schools where 50% or more of students received free or reduced-price meals. It provides fresh fruit and vegetables to children outside of school meals, often served as a snack. This program has helped students try new foods and increases their consumption of fruits and vegetables during the day.

After-school Snack Service Program provides after-school snacks to children participating in structured educational programs. Schools where more than 50% of students receive free or reduced-price meals are eligible. Snacks are free to any participating student. Schools providing after-school activities aimed at promoting health and well-being of children and youth in our community are administrated by the Local Education Agency. A school must provide an organized, structured and supervised environment , including educational or enrichment activities. Competitive interscholastic sports teams are not an eligible after-school program.

For more information call 795-4106 or visit https://www.maine.gov › schools › nutrition › programs.—Jeanie, no town

ANSWER: This is important information for all in the community. I encourage you to contact the above number if you have questions or visit the maine.gov web site.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link