Today at 10:30 a.m., Mayor Vincent Gray will continue to serve the children of the District of Columbia as he promotes healthy and active lifestyles for DC residents. In a partnership with Walmart, General Mills, and other caring partners Mayor Gray will receive grant awards from the United States Department of Agriculture and other partners for the Free Summer Meals Program. The District of Columbia will be honored for its outstanding service to the children of the District.
Mayor Gray is scheduled to address his concerns for DC residents as he seeks to promote the adoption of healthy and active lifestyles for District residents, and the District will be honored as #1 in the country for its participation in the Free Summer Meals Program. The program will take place at the Columbia Heights Community Center located at 1480 Girard Street, NW.
Now that summer vacation has begun for thousands of D.C. youth, Mayor Gray has launched one of the most comprehensive summer programs ever assembled in the District of Columbia to provide activities for them. The “One City Summer Fun… Something for Everyone” program is Mayor Gray’s integrated approach to a safe and creative summer season. The program provides something of interest for everyone in every ward across the city. The program is an important initiative of his “safe communities” agenda.
The key element of program is the, “Be Healthy This Summer,” component which focuses on the healthy, nutritious, safe, physical activities and services available for District residents. The Free Summer Meals Program is available for children and youth up to age 18 and will be available at over 300 locations, including recreation centers, churches, libraries and communit-based organizations. The program is assisted by grants made possible by Walmart, General Mills and other partners. D.C. is ranked #1 in the nation for feeding children during the summer months.
In addition to the Free Summer Meals Program, the Department of Health will promote the adoption of healthy lifestyles through its Live Well DC! Campaign. The campaign seeks to educate the public and increase public awareness of the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices. It aims to encourage those who live, work and play in the District to live longer, more productive lives by following 10 healthy living tips: move more, eat healthy, don’t smoke, love responsibly, reduce stress, see your doctor, wash your hands, be prepared, make peace and read more.
On April 29, 2010, then DC Council Chairman Gray vowed that he would make the health and safety of the children of the Disrict of Columbia his number one priority. The summer of 2011 is Mayor Gray's first opportunity to keep that promise. “One City Summer Fun… Something for Everyone” is a wide-ranging and expanded citywide partnership among District government agencies, community and faith-based organizations and private-sector groups that will ensure that the children of the District of Columbia are given the best care and the best opportunity for a safe and productive summer.
The program today will serve as the convocation event of the summer and will include BB Otero, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services; Hosanna Mahaley Johnson, State Superintendent of Education; Jesus Aguirre, Director, Department of Parks and Recreation; Dr. Mohammad Akhter, Director, Department of Health; Michelle Gillard, Senior Director, Workforce Development and Education; Walmart Foundation; Audra Rowe, Deputy Administrator, USDA; Matthew Boulay, Interim CEO, National Summer Learning Association (NSLA); Janice Williams, Senior Vice President, Program Development; YMCA of Metropolitan Washington; Barbara Tulipane, President, National Recreation and Parks Association; a General Mills representative; Alexandra Ashbrook, Director, D.C. Hunger Solutions; Bill Hanbury, United Way; London Fletcher, Washington Redskins (via a taped Free Summer Meals PSA); the USDA Power Panther and D.C. children, youth and other residents.
For additional information on the Mayor's "One City Summer Fun," program contact The Government of the District of Columbia located at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. or call 202-727-1000.
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