Oxford Casino Assists Hungry Children in Maine Through The Summer Meals Program
OXFORD, Maine (July 7, 2014) – Summer Vacation can equate to hardship for some children in Maine. Lack of school lunch means a lack of nutrition for thousands. Oxford Casino is pleased to partner with the Summer Meals Program for the second year in a row to offer support by means of monetary donations and manpower.
Maine ranks third in the nation and first in New England for very high food insecurity. Food insecurity is defined as lack of access to food to ensure adequate nutrition. In Oxford County alone, 60.82 percent of school kids receive free and reduced-cost meals during the school year, whereas only 18 percent of these children have access to a free summer meal. When school is out for three months of Summer Vacation there is a need that is no longer met without a program like Summer Meals.
“We have watched this program grow and know how much it means to the local community,” explained Michelle Lamm, Program Manager of Preble Street’s Maine Hunger Initiative. “It’s added to the well-being of families in our communities who we know are struggling. It really helps keep kids healthy and ready to learn.”
Oxford Casino provides transportation of food and two people to hand lunch out at a location in Western Maine every weekday this summer. Jack Sours, Vice President and General Manager of the casino stated, “We’re very pleased to have the opportunity to offer assistance to the Summer Meals Program with RSU 16 Food Services, in conjunction with Preble Street’s Maine Hunger Initiative. The Oxford Casino Team hopes to raise awareness through our contributions. We continue to find ways to give back to the community we’re so proud to be a part of.”
Oxford Casino opened in June, 2012 and underwent two expansions, one in October 2012 and another in December 2013. The hilltop Casino is located on 100 acres 40 minutes northwest of Portland in Maine’s lakes and mountains region. The property includes a 30,281 square foot, single level, gaming floor with more than 850 Class III slot machines and 26 table games. It also hosts Oxford Grill, a 140 seat casual restaurant, Oxford Express, a grab-and-go restaurant, and a 12-seat, video poker bar. Further information can be found at www.oxfordcasino.com.
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) (NASDAQ: CHDN), headquartered in Louisville, KY, owns and operates the world renowned Churchill Downs Racetrack, home of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, as well as racetrack and casino operations and a poker room in Miami Gardens, FL; racetrack, casino and video poker operations in New Orleans, LA; racetrack operations in Arlington Heights, IL; a casino resort in Greenville, MS; a casino hotel in Vicksburg, MS; and a casino operation in Oxford, ME. CDI also owns the country’s premier online wagering company, TwinSpires.com; the totalisator company, United Tote; Luckity.com, offering fun games online for a chance to win cash prizes; Bluff Media, an Atlanta-based multimedia poker company; and a collection of racing-related telecommunications and data companies. In addition, CDI’s 50 percent owned, joint venture, Miami Valley Gaming and Racing LLC, is currently constructing a video lottery terminal and harness racing facility in southwest Ohio. Additional information about CDI can be found online at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.
