Healthy summer lunch is not the only thing on the menu as the Marion City Schools Food Service Program works to feed lunch to any child between the ages of 1-18 at the approved sites in Marion and Morrow Counties.

The program runs from until Aug. 5 and provides lunch to all children, regardless of where they may reside. (Adults may purchase a meal for $3).

Participants can expect fun activities through partnerships with the YMCA and the OSU extension office, as well as free book offers from the Let’s Read for 20 Foundation and surprises from the Clear Channel Prize Wheel.

In addition, Governor Kasich’s office and the Ohio Association of Food Banks have provided the Summer Weekend Meals Program which allows registered participants to take home backpacks of non-perishable food for the weekend.

The program attempts to nourish the most vulnerable as school is out for the summer as consistent meals may not be available.

The goal this year is to feed 2000 kids per day as volunteers and administrators work to make food available to all children who are hungry.

With 18.5 percent of Marion residents living in poverty, per the US Census Bureau and 13.6 percent of Morrow County in the same boat, the USDA and many state and local entities came together to meet the most basic need of the area communities.

Morrow County Summer Lunch Program Partner sites and times:

Cardington Local Pool—349 Chesterville Ave—11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m Monday-Friday

Edison Ball Fields—101 N. Boundry St—12:30-1:15 Monday-Friday

Hidden Lakes Campground—St. Rt. 95—12:45-1:45 Monday-Friday

Mt. Gilead Pool—335 West Park Ave—11:00-11:45 Monday-Friday

Morrow County Summer Weekend Meals Program Partner sites and times:

Marengo United Methodist Church—8 N Main St—1:15-2 p.m. Fridays

Johnsville United Methodist Church— 7459 Co Rd 242—2 – 3 p.m. Fridays

Johnsville Trailer Park Hickory Grove—7117 Co Rd 59—2 – 3 p.m. Fridays

Iberia Ball fields—Iberia—2 – 3 p.m. Fridays

By Gena Wiley

The Sentinel

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