Dallas County school children won’t have to do without now that school is ending for the summer.

The Dallas County Commission approved a $794 budget increase for the county Summer Recreation Program at Monday’s meeting.

The money allows thousands of children a chance to eat a hot, nutritious meal in a wholesome, safe environment.

Each year, the Commission provides funding to the program, a joint project with the school lunch program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

This year, in order to continue the program, the coordinators of the program needed more money, according to county finance director Nancy Wilson.

“It coincides with the expenditures last year,” Wilson said. “It’s real close.”

The county had originally allocated $11,044 for the program. With the increase, this year’s budget will be $11, 839.

The Commission considered it money well spent.

“I’ve just had some of those workers (with the program) tell me (some of) these kids wouldn’t get meals without this program,” Commission Chairman Judge Johnny Jones said.

“Last year, in less than 60 days, they served (roughly) 40,000 meals,” Wilson said. “It’s just unbelievable.”

In other news:

The Commission approved payment of damages to two Dallas County citizens. Both incidents were the result of damaged roads. Combined the damages come to roughly $463.

Wilson suggested changing the county’s travel expenditure and acquisition forms to expedite paperwork.

Discussed briefly the results of the annual state audit of the Commission.

“It was a good audit,” Jones said.