Camp Herrlich, a summer day camp that also provides year-round school-age programs in Patterson, has always provided healthy food options for its campers. Now the staff is working on new changes to make their lunch menu even more nutritious, says Jessica Vanacoro, the camp’s senior program director.

Every day during the summer, Camp Herrlich feeds up to 350 children ranging in age from 4 to 16. The camp hopes to make a greater impact on their health by switching out a side item at lunch for a more nutritious one, such as offering a vegetable, protein or fiber-derived dish in place of potato chips, Vanacoro says.

“We are really focused on helping our campers and staff reach their full potential, and one of the best ways to do that is by making sure they are fueled with healthy food as they go about their full days of activities. We have always offered a variety of healthy foods, and we are always looking to improve and expand our offerings for all the meals and snacks we serve,” she says.

Camp Herrlich is part of the USDA’s Summer Feeding Program, and it recently started a partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension to get the kids in its afterschool and summer programs gardening and learning more about nutrition and eating more fruits and vegetables.

Camp Herrlich still has some spots available for the summer camp season. The camp is located at 101 Deacon Smith Hill Rd., Patterson, NY. For more info, call 845.878.6662, visit CampHerrlich.org or email [email protected].