By: Richard L. Smith
The Rare Gems Community Development Corporation (CDC) is proudly participating in the Summer Food Service Program, offering free meals to children throughout the summer.
Officials said this program ensures that all children, regardless of their background, have access to nutritious meals without any form of discrimination.
Under the Summer Food Service Program, meals will be provided at the Rare Gems CDC located at 505-508 18th Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103. The meal service will be available from July 17, 2023, through August 30, 2023, with specific days and times allocated for breakfast and lunch.
From July 17 to July 29, officials told RLS Media that meals will be served from Monday to Saturday. Starting July 31 until August 30, meals will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Breakfast will be served from 8:30 am to 9:30 am, while lunch will be provided from noon to 1 pm. Both hot and cold meals will be available to cater to various preferences.
Rare Gems CDC, in adherence to federal civil rights law and USDA regulations, ensures equal access to the program for all children.
There will be no discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or retaliation for prior civil rights activities during the meal service.
The program is committed to providing information in languages other than English and accommodating persons with disabilities.
Individuals requiring alternative means of communication or accessible formats, such as Braille, large print, audiotape, or American Sign Language, can contact the responsible state or local agency administering the program or reach out to USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
In the event of a program discrimination complaint, individuals may file a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which is available online.
This form can also be obtained from any USDA office or by calling (866) 632-9992. Complaints can be submitted by mail to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410.
Rare Gems CDC is dedicated to ensuring that children in the community have access to healthy and nourishing meals during the summer months.
Their participation in the Summer Food Service Program exemplifies their commitment to promoting equality and addressing the nutritional needs of children in Newark.