Community Corner
Subway Sandwiches 'A Big Hit' In Summer Camp Programs Near Lakewood
Lochburn Middle School student Megan Quinones has enjoyed coming to Manitou Park. She said having free lunches for teenagers is important, so they don't go hungry.
Through a new partnership between Metro Parks Tacoma and the Subway chain restaurant, Lakewood teenager Megan Quinones eats healthier. And so are others attending summer day camps around the area.
The popular sandwich shop has teamed up with MPT to deliver boxes of 6-inch Subway sandwiches to parks around the area including the Manitou Park program where Quinones, a eighth grader, plays five days a week. The agency has invested more than ever before to partner with Subway.
Food before consisted of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit and a drink in a brown paper bag. Sometimes they ate cold pizza. Now, teenagers have the opportunity to eat a free sandwich with different meats and vegetables on wheat bread, said Danielle Pugil, site coordinator for the Manitou Park program.
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"Subway has been a big hit this year," Pugil said. "I can see how this is healthier than a slice of cold pizza."
MPT will continue the program in conjunction with Subway until Aug. 19. This is the first initiative of its kind in the state, according to a MPT press release. Pugil said she orders about 65 sandwiches per day.
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"It (the food) encourages other kids to show up and eat," she said.
Some of the teenagers like Quinones are on the free lunch program through their respective school district. The Subway meal program continues to provide free meals to teenagers in several other locations. Manitou Park borders the city of Lakewood.
Childhood obesity affects 17 percent of all children and adolescents in the U.S., according to the press release. MPT is the only public agency in the state partnering with a national restaurant chain to provide children with meals exceeding the minimum standards for free summer lunches available through the program.
Locations
Monday - Sunday at:
Jefferson Park, McKinley Playfield, South Park and Wright Park.
Monday - Friday at:
Franklin Park, Jane Clark Park, Manitou Park and Portland Ave Playfield.
Monday, Wednesday & Friday at:
Stafford Elementary
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