For many children, summertime means going to the pool and having fun with friends, so the last thing children and their families should have to worry about is skipping a meal, especially if they’re used to getting one everyday at school through the free or reduced lunch programs.
This is why the YWCA of Lubbock, the South Plains Food Bank and local schools are making it their goal to ensure that no child goes hungry over the summer through the summer food service program.
The program kicked off Tuesday and will run through the summer, which means children and their parents can come by one of the YWCA locations participating and stop in for a free, hot meal.
The children must be 18 or younger to participate, no questions asked.
Representatives with the YWCA say it means a lot to be able to help children and their families by making the meals nutritional through using fresh produce and limiting the amount of processed foods that are used.
“In Lubbock where we have a very high percentage of students who are on free and reduced lunch having a place for any child under the age of 18 can just stop in, have a hot lunch during the regular scheduled lunch times, that’s important,” said Glenda Mathis, Chief Executive Officer for the YWCA. “It keeps kids feeling, getting their nutritional needs met and it kind of relieves parents as well because they know that their children are being served.”
If you know of a family or child who may want to utilize this resource over the summer, they can visit the following YWCA locations for a free lunch:
Livermore gym: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sun N’ Fun: 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Legacy: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
