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The Friends of the Library (FOL) stepped up to provide needed nourishment to local children through Kids Free Summer Lunch Program. "The FOL needed to bridge that gap in food insecurity during the summer break months, so through grant funds, and cooperation with outside entities, the program was realized," said Pearl Dennis, FOL President.
DAYTON–The Friends of the Library (FOL) will sponsor a Kids Free Summer Lunch Program served at the local United Methodist Church and Columbia County Rural Library beginning July 1.
Youngster between the ages 0-16 are welcome to partake in a free lunch program each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting July 1 and ending August 26. The meals will be prepared by hospital kitchen, purchased by FOL, then served free to all those who attend, and must be eaten on site. Monday and Friday at the United Methodist Church and Wednesday at the Library. No take outs.
This summer, the school closed for renovations and The Club closed for the summer ending the traditional free summer lunch program leaving a void in providing food security. The FOL decided to take on the task of providing that needed supplement for our community's children.
"The summer lunch program hopefully addresses some of the food insecurity in our community," said Pearl Dennis FOL president. "With the school closed for renovation and The Club closed for the summer, it was important that we stepped up to solve this issue."
Through a grant from Inatai Foundation, and in coordination with the Dayton United Methodist Church, the Columbia County Health System kitchen, and the Library, FOL put their plan to work.
In addition to the free summer lunch program, FOL is expanding the energy snack program available on Tuesday and Thursday. They would also like to encourage young people to participate in the summer reading program offered at the library. There are many other opportunities for young people to do at the library as well. Story time each week at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, and the YWCA Fun Factory each Monday at 1 p.m., take and make crafts, internet access, and the accelerated reading program.
"The community is really good to us, said Dennis. "They provide donation of books and cash so we can continue to support the typical library programs such as the summer reading program and take-and-make crafts."
