SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
Sioux City's summer food program has several new locations, but the food seems to be out-numbering the people.
As Jessica Newman serves each tray of food, she's in disbelief by the lack of people taking advantage of it.
"The highest count we had today was nine, which is kind of sad for free food," said Jessica Newman, Food Service Lunch Lady.
The USDA sponsored Summer Food Service Feeding Program dishes out free food to kids ages 2 to 18 through Aug. 3.
It's operated through the Sioux City Community School District. One of those sites is Whittier Elementary.
Since June 11, the amount of food needed at this location has decreased from 30 servings to 20.
And when things are all said and done, there's still food to throw out.
"It's just a shame. And we're only getting 20 now and we're still not using it. We've only used them all one time, and that was because three kids had seconds," said Lana Fischer, Food Service Lunch Lady.
These lunch ladies blame the poor turn-out on two possible reasons.
"If they're small children and they live six blocks or whatever, they might not want them to walk here alone," said Fischer.
"The word is not getting out enough. We have a sign outside. Hopefully that would help for parents to see or anyone that would drive by," said Newman.
Concerns are despite an overall increase in participants across the city.
As the number of lunch sites has increased from 3 to 14, so have the numbers.
From 750 or 800 per day last year to 1400 now.
"With this expansion, they're coming in a little more than expected," Rich Luze, food service director.
But despite the overall increase empty tables in lunch rooms like this, it still means food and money wasted.
Those aged 2 to 18 years old can eat for free at several sites throughout the city.
Adults can also pay $3.70 to eat. We have a complete list of the sites online here.
Health regulations prohibit the donation of some of the food.
