Free summer food program available at local sites

ThisWeek CW 06/11/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/06/08/free-summer-food-program-available-at-local-sites.html

Summer vacation means a break from days of studying, but it also can mean days of hunger for children served by free breakfast and lunch programs offered through the schools.

The Groveport Madison Center for Human Needs, in conjunction with Groveport-Madison schools, is once again working to give all Groveport and Madison Township children the chance to enjoy their days off without worrying about where the next meal will come from.

Children ages 1 through 18 may attend the free summer food service through Aug. 7. Food is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There is no charge for the meal and no financial or personal information will be requested.

Funding for the program is provided through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Ohio Department of Education.

“This program is serviced by volunteers that help hand out the lunches, visit with the children and assist in activities,” organizer Steve Shirley said.

“Volunteers are needed to continue this wonderful program for our children,” he added. “In the past, many volunteers have helped make sure lunches are available.

“We would like to invite any of the previous volunteers to help again this year, and also invite anyone that would have an hour and a half a week to contribute to this wonderful program to let us know. We have various schedules that can be arranged to accommodate your needs.”

Besides providing a lunch, children will have the opportunity to meet other children and play. Volunteers will engage the children in activities and games, and provide books that can go home with participants.

“The community has been very generous in donating books for this program,” Shirley said. “Any and all help would be appreciated.”

The summer food program will be offered at these sites:

•Groveport Madison Middle School Central, 751 Main St.

•Groveport Madison Middle School North, 5474 Sedalia Drive.

•Independence Village, (park shelter house), 3075 Arrowsmith Drive.

•Madison Grove (playground), 2800 Booty Drive.

To volunteer or for more information, contact Shirley at 614-835-0251 or rsteve43232@aol.com.