Missouri kids get free meals this summer through local organizations
SOUTHEAST, Mo., (KBSI) — For some parent’s summer break means a higher grocery bill which can bring added stress.
Local organizations are helping to combat child hunger this summer by participating in Missouri’s Free Summer Food Program.
Many organizations throughout Southeast Missouri are participating in Missouri’s Summer Food Program to provide kids with healthy meals through summer break.
Lester Gillespie, is the CEO of Fresh Start Improvement Center a nonprofit organization in Charleston, Mo.
The organization offers a day camp along with the summer food program. Gillespie says from June through August 9 kids can stop by the fresh start building in Charleston and grab a breakfast or lunch completely free. Regard-less of where they live or age as long as they are under age 18.
Gillespie says they participate in Missouri’s summer food program in hopes of relieving some of the financial stresses a higher grocery bill can bring during the summer.
“We know that there are families that are struggling” says Gillespie. “We also know that there are families that are working and so we just want to fill in that gap between the kids and the parents working or unable to provide a nutritious meal during the summer.”
Jamie Jones is the pastor of Divine Holiness Outreach Ministry in Caruthersville Mo.
They are also participating in Missouri’s summer food program.
“Well children just show up at our facility here, our gymnasium” says Jones. “Children come by here and its ran like a camp but not a camp where they’ll come here and stay here about 3-4 hours a day.”
Jones says he sees a big need for the summer food program in his community.
“It’s very needed,” says Jones”. “Theres parents that work and young kids are really hungry during the day and it’s hard for someone to be there and cook for them so it’s very, very needed.”
Fresh Start Improvement Center
Charleston, Mo.
1 573-233-5070
Divine Holiness Outreach Ministry
For more information on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Summer Food Service Program
If you’d like to find a food program near year you Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.
