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Davenport’s Community Cafe combines lunch and learning

The Madison School cafeteria is a popular place on Thursday. That’s where kids line up for walking nachos. When youngsters from the Stepping Stones progra...

The Madison School cafeteria is a popular place on Thursday.

That's where kids line up for walking nachos.

When youngsters from the Stepping Stones program take a break, they're getting a free, nutritious breakfast and lunch during summer vacation.

"It's a continuation of education, and it's a continuation of the meal program," said Kent Heinen, a food and nutrition specialist for Davenport Community Schools.

The district is serving free meals for kids at 17 sites through August 6.

The Community Cafe is part of the USDA Summer Food Service Program.

Several area school districts also participate.

To find the nearest location, call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479.

When school dismisses, hunger is a real problem.  It's also a severe roadblock to learning.

A new program helps to keep young minds active.

In this partnership with Davenport schools and the Scott County Family Y, kids work with Davenport teachers and use the latest technology.

"Children lose learning during the summer. It's a summer learning gap or summer learning loss, and we are all very concerned about that," said Deb Gustafson, The Y's executive director for child care and family services.

Kids rotate to several stations each morning.  It's a great tune-up for classroom learning and afternoon activities at the Y.

"They have exciting things to learn all summer," she continued.  "They're having a great time. They'll be ready to go back to school when it starts."

The Community Cafe concept seems to get more popular each year.  In 2014, they served nearly 43,000 meals in Davenport.

Parents are welcome to join kids, but meals are just for the youngsters.

It's just the right combination of lunch and learning at Madison School.

They'll be setting a pace for the upcoming school year.

"It seems like they're all enjoying it," said Heinen.  "And the programs help attendance."

Now that's something to chew on this summer in Davenport.

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