When school is out for the summer, there's always a place at the dinner table for those who want it.

That's the way it works for the Summer Food Service Program, coordinated by the Harlan Community Action Agency, which provides thousands of meals to Harlan County children each summer.

“Summertime for most agencies is a winding down time, but for us, it's like on big boom. Everything is going on at the same time,” said Donna Pace, CAA executive director.

Pace said the program includes dozens of volunteers at over 50 locations to deliver anywhere from 500 to 1,600 meals each day.

Congregate meals are provided for free to children 18 and younger, regardless of the situation, and meals are also provided to daycares, camps, Vacation Bible Schools and other places who need them.

HCCAA delivers the meals to the sites, where volunteers provide a place for a congregate meal and oversee the children.

The program has been in service for several years, but during the last few years the program has dramatically grown. In 2004, 11,600 meals were provided at 21 sites. In 2005, 49,353 meals were provided at 49 sites.

The Harlan County Community Action Agency was honored by the United States Food and Nutrition Service in December for the successful expansion.

And still there is more room for growth, Pace said, and the organization is always looking for churches, organizations or individuals who can host a meal in their community.

In addition to coordinating the summer food service program, HCCAA also oversees a day care, the Meals on Wheels program, the Workforce Investment Act Adult & Dislocated Workers and Youth Activities programs, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the Weatherization and Home Repair Program and provides transportation services.