Press Release: Free Meals for Kids Available NOW!
On Monday, June 12, summer meal programing for Oak Park-area kids kicked-off with a celebration of the launch of Meet Up & Eat Up. Throughout the summer, the program will serve meals to kids and teens 18 and younger at two area locations.
State Senator Don Harmon attended and spoke at the event, emphasizing that hunger is still an issue in Illinois. Senator Harmon represents the 39th Senate district of Illinois which includes portions of Oak Park, Elmwood Park, River Grove, and Franklin Park, among other municipalities. He has been a long-time supporter – professionally and personally – of anti-hunger initiatives.
Pastor Gibson of New Life Ministries, a Meet Up & Eat Up site, made remarks at the event, emphasizing the importance of summer meal programs.
Meet Up & Eat Up will provide kids a safe, fun place to enjoy free meals during the summer at two area locations – Light of Liberty Church, June 12 – August 18, and New Life Ministries, July 10 to August 18. Free meals are available to kids and teens, 18 and younger. Meals are tasty, nutritionally-balanced meals and vary daily.
In addition to meals, sites offer activities including arts and crafts, story time, movies, and games.
Last year, Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry and partner organizations provided over 11,000 meals and snacks to kids and teens during the summer. As of FY2016, an estimated 1,800 students in Oak Park alone are eligible for free or reduced lunches.
Summer break can be hard for low-income families who lack the benefits of school lunches and childcare. 32 percent of low-income households report not having enough food during the summer. By providing free meals during the summer, learning loss can be mitigated, helping close the achievement gap.
Meet Up & Eat Up Site information:
June 12 to August 18:
Light of Liberty Church
2 Washington Blvd, Oak Park, IL
Lunch: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
July 10 to August 18:
New Life Ministries
634 N. Austin Blvd, Oak Park, IL
Breakfast: 9:00 am to 10 am
Lunch: noon to 1:00 pm
To view all open summer meal sites, interested families can call (800) 359-2163, text "FoodIL" or "ComidasIL" to 877-877, or visit SummerMealsIllinois.org.