The summer food program for kids will go on this summer without Rincon’s participation.

City council members denied a request from Effingham County to assist in the summer food program. City recreation director David Wooten said his department’s budget was stretched too tight to continue support for the program.

“I was in better shape last year than this year,” he said.

Council members, in a split decision, voted to support the program last year and appropriated $1,500 for it.

Wooten said current projects, such as work on the Hinely Center, the newly-purchased Lions Club building and Patriots Park, has strained his resources. He’s also hoping to add new programs this summer, including soccer and tennis.

“It’s not that I don’t find it valuable,” he said. “I just don’t have the resources. I just don’t see how I can do this.”

Council member Ann Daniel said the city was going to re-evaluate its participation in the summer food program, which also has activities for underprivileged children.

“I’m all for helping the children,” she said. “But that’s expensive for 35 days.”