Submitted by Keri Olson CEO, United Way of Whiteside County
Beginning June 2rd, United Way of Whiteside County will provide free meals to all children and teens in Whiteside County, all summer long.
“Food insecurity has made an already stressful time even more so. Many families rely on school meals to feed their children,” said Keri Olson, Executive Director of United Way of Whiteside County. “The United Way Let’s Feed Our Children program will help bridge the gap by providing families safe, stigma-free places to receive meals.”
Kids and teens will be able to get a grab and go meal from one of 18 sites throughout Whiteside County. Meals will feature kid-friendly foods like juice boxes, crackers, granola bars, and fruit cups. No registration or ID is required, and participation is open to all children and teens.
United Way of Whiteside County began serving summer meals twenty years ago. Changes to this year’s program will allow for added safety during the pandemic. Additional cleaning procedures will be maintained, and meals will focus on prepacked, individually sealed items. Instead of serving lunches three days a week, each site will serve only on Wednesdays but will provide 3 lunches for each child. The program runs every Wednesday from 12:00PM -12:30PM starting June 2rd and ending on August 11th.
2021 Local Meal Sites
ERIE – Margaret Park
LYNDON – Richmond Park
MORRISON – Crossroads Community Center
PROPHETSTOWN – Eclipse Square
TAMPICO – Community Building
Let’s Feed Our Children is meeting a real need in the community. Even before Covid-19, 14%, of Whiteside County children were food insecure, meaning they have limited or uncertain access to safe and nutritious food. And this issue has been compounded by the pandemic. Children who are hungry or food insecure are more likely to be in poor health and less likely to form friendships, to be curious, and to learn. This summer meal program can respond to these concerns.
United Way of Whiteside County runs the Let’s Feed Our Children program with the help of countless community partners. Whiteside County Senior Center and Kunes Auto Group will be providing help with delivery of meals to serving sites. Harvest Time Bible Church will be proving kitchen and meal packing space. United Way is looking for additional donations and volunteers to support this program. Those interested can learn more at www.uwwhiteside.org or by contacting Keri Olson at 815.625.7973 or kolson@uwwhiteside.org.
