Kids in Middletown now have more access to free summer meals thanks to a grant from the National Recreation and Parks association. 

"They gave us a grant that allows us to give lunches on weekends at our swimming pool at War Memorial pool on Saturdays and Sundays, Christine Brinckerhoff, Middletown Recreation and Parks Superintendent. "We've expanded into our camps." 

The $23,000 grant allowed them to add additional meals not only on weekends but also at night and in camps like this weekly camp called Little People Playtime. 

"We were able to buy equipment like refrigerators, coolers, tables, chairs, build picnic tables, says Brinckerhoff. "So it allows us to sustain this program." 

Federal and state programs reimburse cities like Middletown for meals provided under the USDAs Summer Food Service Program. The program helps the city provide lunches at nine parks for children under 18. 

"It's out of school time," explains Brinckerhoff. "I think it's very important. With kids not being in school in the summer, this is their nutritional meal of the day."

Organizers say programs like these not only feed bodies, but minds as well. 

"We're also giving them nutrition education," says Brinckerhoff. "Exercise, good ways to take care of your body. We have guest speakers come in." 

That educational component is not only for the little ones, but also for youth who want to be counselors. 

"It's a great program where teenagers get to learn how to be a counselor," says Brinckerhoff. "At the same time they're practicing their skills on the four-, five- and six-year-olds along with our counselors."

Counselors and counselors-in-training lead the kids in sports and fitness activities, reading and learning and other programs throughout the week. 

"I love the energy, they're always smiling it just brightens my day," says counselor Christopher Phillips. "Keeps me going, and just it's just so much fun." 

Helping kids and teenagers alike keep engaged during the summer months. 

"It makes my summer better, so i'm not at home on the couch doing nothing, says counselor-in-training Raeleigh Silvernail. "I'm out here with the kids, being active."

The USDA website features a searchable map of all of the locations offering free lunch meals for youth on their website. Summer lunch programs last through Sept. 3.