In Giles County, over 500 children experience food insecurity and almost half receive free or reduced-price lunch during the school year. For some children, lunch at school is their only meal, so when school is out for the summer they no longer have a guaranteed meal each day.
Six years ago, Giles County Public Schools and the dedicated members of the Giles Early Education Project (GEEP) teamed up to launch the “Lunch Bunch” program, because so many children were losing weight over the summer. Six years later, free hot lunches are served Monday through Friday over the summer at Narrows High School and Macy McClaugherty School thanks to community collaboration and commitment.
Another challenge facing our youngest citizens is summer learning loss. GEEP members, who are all volunteers, have taken the Lunch Bunch summer food program to the next level by incorporating opportunities for children to learn and be creative. Both Lunch Bunch locations offer reading corners with books for children of all ages, as well as daily art projects and games designed to inspire. All activities are organized by GEEP members, who are responsible for hundreds of smiles.
Thank you to all the organizations and individuals who contributed to food programs this summer.
For further information, please contact Meghan Pfleiderer (meghan@nrvrc.org), 540-639-9313, ext. 213.