EUCLID, Ohio — It’s summer break and kids are out of school. Too often, many kids miss out on two things during these few months: Education and a good meal. But this summer, Cleveland Metroparks and Greater Cleveland Food Bank are partnering to help fill the void.
Myesha Koonce brought her son and daughter to Euclid Beach Park to take advantage of a new program offered by the Cleveland Metroparks: Kids Nature Lunch & Learn. The program provides learning opportunities for kids to keep their brains sharp through the summer.
It’s very important that we provide opportunities for education, for time outside and to learn about nature. And to increase their appreciation and their awareness," says Mary Rouse, the director of outdoor experiences for Cleveland Metroparks.
Thursday was the first event at Euclid Beach Park. The theme? Urban Birds, as kids got a chance to identify species that live in our area and how they survive. Lunch & Learn will travel to five different Metroparks locations, bringing the NatureTracks mobile nature center along, too.
Lunch is a key part of the series. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank is providing a free meal to kids, knowing that many in the community don't have healthy options at home. The food bank expects to serve a little over 2,000 children throughout this summer.
It's the perfect combination for students this summer, combining learning, nature, and lunch. It's also a great option for parents looking to get their kids out of the house for a while.
The series will continue through August every Thursday and Friday with the exception of the week of July 4. Click here more information on Kids Nature Lunch & Learn, including event dates and times.
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