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Community Organizations Collaborate to Offer Lunch to Kids

Summer Food Service Program for Children

Pictured is volunteer Harold Hewitt as he assists in serving meals to local children at Ted Lewis Park during the Summer Food Service Program for Children.

Community Organizations Collaborate to Offer Lunch to Kids
Circleville, OH - June 24, 2008 – – Pickaway County children are guaranteed a well balanced lunch during the summer months, thanks to the joint efforts of several local organizations.

The Pickaway County Community Action Organization (PICCA) is collaborating with the Pickaway County YMCA, Berger Health System and the City of Circleville for the Summer Food Service Program for Children.

The program, which is funded by a grant through the Ohio Department of Education, kicked off June 9. Free lunches are provided to all children 18 years of age or under and persons over 18 who are mentally or physically disabled. The lunches are served at Ted Lewis Park, Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., through August 15. There is no registration required.

“This is a great collaborative effort among the partnering organizations,” said Paul Westenheffer, YMCA Executive Director. “We all come to the table with the interest of serving our community and the well-being of our local children.”

“This is the fourth year we have offered the free lunch program,” added Westenheffer. “On average, we serve 150 lunches per day – and anticipate serving more than 5,000 this summer.”

Circleville qualified for the program based on having over 50% of families in the city school population with an income of 185% of the federal poverty guideline.

PICCA is serving as the fiscal agent for the program for the 4th consecutive summer. Berger Health System’s Nutritional Services Department is preparing the meals for the event. Volunteers are encouraged and welcome every day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pictured are several children who kept cool under the shelter house at Ted Lewis Park while they enjoyed a delicious lunch.

For more information about the program, contact the Pickaway County YMCA at (740) 477-1661.