Stephens County — A perfect rating is not often achieved, but one program at the Toccoa-Stephens County YMCA summer camp has hit that mark.

The YMCA in the county participates in the Georgia state-funded “Bright From the Start” nutrition program, which provides free meals for children.

Leann Masten, Toccoa-Stephens County YMCA executive director, said the organization must undergo an annual review.

“They reviewed all of our records, how we actually serve the food, how it is prepared, that sort of thing,” Masten said. “There are a lot of state regulations in order for us to participate in this program, so they came in and did the inspection, and we did receive a perfect rating, which they said is unusual. … We were very excited to get this from the state."

Masten gave credit for the good rating to Summer Director Tambi Clardy.

“She is a really excellent young lady that knows what she is doing. She keeps very good records,” Masten said. “She goes by the book. She follows every regulation they set forth.”

Almost 50 to 60 kids eat the balance meals provided by Just Right Catering. In addition, Masten said, children do not need to be registered as day campers to receive the free meals.

“What a lot of people do not know is that people from the community 18 years of age and under can also participate,” she said. “All they would have to do is show up, and we would feed them.”

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning administers the “Bright from the Start” Program. The aim is to ensure kids receive nutritious meals during the summer when school is not in session.