Summer Meals Working to Double Impact
The start of summer is often a great time to be a kid. Busy school days give way to the rhythms of summer—lazy days with friends, enjoying the park or the pool. For children facing food insecurity, however, those lazy days can be hungry days without the certainty of regular school lunches.
For the past several summers, the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry has been working to make sure summer days don’t come with empty stomachs for children in our communities. This year’s program is called “Meet Up and Eat Up,” and forges new partnerships at new locations.
From June 12-August 18, kids can come to Light of Liberty Church, 2 Washington Boulevard, from 11:30-1:30 weekdays. New Life Ministries at 634 N. Austin Boulevard will be open from July 10-August 18 from 9-10:00 a.m. for breakfast, and from noon to 1 for lunch. The new locations are farther east than those used in previous years.
“We wanted to be more in the area where the need is greatest, but still be available to Oak Park,” says program director Adriana Riano. “Both of these locations were open last year, but not as our partners. It seemed to be a great idea to work with them because they know the neighborhood, but the Pantry can offer resources for advertising and programming.”
The Summer Meals program is a passion for Adriana, who has worked on it for several years, and she has ambitious plans. “Last year we served 11,000 meals between the open and closed sites. This year we want to double that,” she says.
Experience has taught Adriana that the program’s success depends on getting the word out, and she hit the ground running with a communications plan back in March.
“I’ve learned a lot,” she says. Adriana has visited schools in Oak Park and Austin, networked with parent groups and social workers, and reached out through Township organizations. Clients of the Pantry who have school-age children have received post cards and flyers at distributions. Social service agencies are helping get the word out too, including Sarah’s Inn and “New Moms.”
When the kids come to “Meet Up and Eat Up,” they will find nutritious meals, great children’s programming and a dedicated team of volunteers. The Oak Park Library will be on hand each week, the Park District will offer games and arts and crafts, and partners like the Children’s Clinic will offer special services. “We want to feed as many kids as we can, and create a safe, fun place for the summer,” says Adriana.
The fun will begin with the kick-off party June 12 at Light of Liberty. There will be food, raffles, music and games. Volunteers will come in the Friday before the program opens to clean and decorate for the kids and do outreach in the neighborhood.
Closed locations will boost the total number of meals served. This year they will include Oak Park River forest High School for the 8-9 Transition, Base Camp and the Oak Park Library, and camps at Longfellow and Brooks. To receive summer meals at these locations, kids need to be registered for their programs.
The excitement is building, and on opening day all we will need is hungry kids. If you know any, please send them our way!
By Barb Hickey