Volunteers needed for summer lunch program
To help ensure that no child goes hungry this summer, volunteers are currently being sought to assist with a new program which will do just that. With the help of the Florida Department of Education, members of the Pine Island Community Church have entered into a program that will provide free lunches for children who need them.
“When I learned that there were a lot of sites in Lee County that offer the free summer lunch program, I began investigating criteria for qualification,” said program organizer, Susan McGuire. “I found out that 69.42 percent of the children attending Pine Island Elementary were on the free or reduced lunch program during the school year which qualified our community for the program, however, one of the stipulations is that an organization had to step up and volunteer to coordinate the program. I volunteered and now am seeking the assistance of others to make sure our island kids get fed this summer.”
According to the sponsorship requirements, any area where more than one half of the children are from households with income at or below the eligibility level for free and reduced price school meals, 185 percent of the federal poverty guideline qualifies the community for participation in the summer food program, however, even those families who do not fit the income criteria are welcome to partake of the free lunches and no pre-registration is required.
According to McGuire, in addition to meal servers, other volunteers will be needed each day to supervise the children, monitor the bathroom facilities, keep the site safe and to help clean up. The program will take place Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. with meals being served at the Pine Island Elementary School cafeteria.
The summer lunch program is open to all children 18 and under and there are no income restrictions. Each day a cold lunch consisting of a sandwich, fruit, vegetable, dessert and milk will be served and must be consumed on the premises. Meal preparation will adhere to the USDA standards and the food is supplied by the Summer Food Service Program of Lee County.
According to information provided by SFSP, the program was established to ensure that children in needy areas could continue to receive nutritious meals during school vacations that are comparable to those served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs during the school year.
“We are planning to hang posters at places like the Pine Island Pool and the library to let kids and their families know that these lunches will be available during the week,” said McGuire. “Not only will the children enjoy a nutritious lunch, but it will be a great way for them to get together, make new friends and have fun during lunch time. We also will be offering a share table where the kids can go to swap food items so that every one gets something they are going to enjoy.”
The Summer Food Program will begin on Monday, June 21 through Friday, Aug. 6 and those interested in volunteering are asked to call Susan McGuire at 283-6318.