United Way to Sponsor Second Year of Summer Lunch Program
Oskaloosa Summer Lunch Program
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The United Way of Mahaska County is excited to announce its sponsorship of Oskaloosa Summer Lunch this year. More than 140 volunteers served 2,400 free meals to kids and teens in the program’s first summer last year.
Martha Comfort, the director of Oskaloosa Summer Lunch, said she’s happy to have an organization like the United Way championing the program.
“I felt like I would have a network of support and advice in managing the program, improving it and have the program expand and become more successful,” said Comfort. “I needed the United Way sponsorship in order to help bring the Summer Lunch Program to a new level – growing and reaching out to more areas in Oskaloosa and ultimately more communities in Mahaska County.”
And grow it will. Comfort is planning on two new sites this year – Oskaloosa Elementary School and New Hope Community Center. The program will also provide lunch to George Daily Auditorium’s summer theatre camps.
Oskaloosa Public Library and Edmundson Park will continue to be food service sites this year.
Currently, about half of students in Oskaloosa School District are eligible for subsidies for school lunches. Because of these numbers a group was formed to ensure children are getting proper nutrition over the summer months.
But Amy Langdon, Director of United Way of Mahaska County, said it’s about more than meeting hunger needs.
“Having a summer lunch program means there’s a place kids can go for a free, healthy meal, where parents and caregivers can go to get out of the house and connect with their community,” said Langdon. “We really view it like a town watering hole, where people of all ages can come together to find not just a meal, but connection and encouragement.”
Anyone 18 and under is encouraged to come for a free lunch, as well as fun and educational programs.
If you are interested in volunteering this summer, please contact Lindsey Sheets at 641.673.6043 or uwmc.coordinator@gmail.com.
