Congressman McGovern Visits and Reads to Local Webster Students

Friday, October 16, 2015

GoLocalWorcester Lifestyle Team

Congressman Jim McGovern joined community leaders in Webster to help highlight the breakfast program at Park Avenue Elementary School, the Reach Out and Read program at South County Pediatrics, and how they are helping local students and their families.

At Park Avenue Elementary School, McGovern took a tour with principal Carolyn Wallace and participated in a discussion of the school's breakfast program which is aimed at reducing hunger by ensuring that every student has access to a healthy breakfast.

“Every year, millions of American children are impacted by hunger. Thanks to great meal programs like the breakfast program at Park Avenue Elementary School, we are making progress in the push to reduce childhood hunger. By providing a healthy breakfast to those in need, we can help more students start the day strong and get the nutrients they need to succeed in school. I am grateful to Principal Wallace and everyone in Webster for their work to support this program," said Congressman McGovern.

While at South County Pediatrics, Congressman McGovern read to local children 5-years old and younger as part of the Reach Out and Read Program which is aimed at helping America's youngest children succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together.

“Reading to children at an early age is essential to giving them the strong start they need to succeed. All across the country, Reach Out and Read is helping to make that possible, inspiring children to develop a love of reading that will help them achieve their full potential. I am grateful to South County Pediatrics in Webster and partners throughout Massachusetts who are helping to prepare our students for a bright future with this important program," McGovern said.

Among the books that McGovern read were "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed," "Lola at the Library" and "Book! Book! Book!"