Morgan County Schools Food & Nutrition program makes sure kids across the county continue to have healthy meals through the summer.
The Food & Nutrition Summer Kick Off takes place Thursday, June 1, at Solomon City Park with free food, books, resources for families and other fun and games.
Meal pick-up days are scheduled from June 2-July 21, and as part of the summer feeding program, Gus the Bus travels around the county to bring food and fun to the different communities. Meals are free for all kids 18 and under.
“The kids will be coming on the bus to eat with us and each time they come on the bus they will receive free books. We also have all kinds of programs going on,” said Peggy Hamby, Food & Nutrition director.
On Mondays, Gus the Bus will be at Sunbright City Park from 11-11:30 a.m., Chestnut Ridge Fire Department from 12-12:30 p.m. and Fairview Baptist Church in Lancing from 1-1:30 p.m.
On Tuesdays, Gus the Bus will be at Wartburg Solomon City Park from 11-11:30 a.m., Wartburg Public Library from 12-12:30 p.m. and Sunnyside Apartments from 1-1:30 p.m.
On Wednesdays, Gus the Bus will be at Coalfield Library from 11-11:30 a.m., Petros Rock Mission from 12-12:30 p.m. and Jackson Trailer Park from 1-1:30 p.m.
On Thursdays, Gus the Bus will be at Mossy Grove Market from 11-11:30 a.m., Pine Orchard Community Center from 12-12:30 p.m. and Oakdale City Park from 12:45-1:15 p.m.
“We try to represent the whole community,” Hamby said. “We also have this year, like we had last year, where families can drive through our schools and pick up multiple meals. They will get seven breakfasts and seven lunches.”
The multiple meals pickups take place from 1-1:30 p.m. while supplies last. Pickups are on Tuesdays at Oakdale School, Wednesdays at Wartburg Elementary, Thursdays at Coalfield School and Fridays at Sunbright School.
“All we ask is that they have kids in the household. Grandparents can pick up,” Hamby said. “We’re excited we are able to give multiple meals.”
The children do not have to be present for the parents or grandparents to pick up the meals.
On Gus the Bus, the Food & Nutrition staff try to provide several hot meals for the kids and give them healthy options like fruits and vegetables. With the children out of schools, and the rising cost of groceries, some students may not have as many opportunities to get a healthy meal during the summer without the feeding program.
“I love having them on the bus. I love kids to come on and to be able to provide lunch for them and give them a book because we know they depend on us. We can make sure it’s nutritious and healthy,” Hamby said. “We know they depend on us during the school year for their nutrition needs, but a kid is still hungry in the summertime. Sometimes they’re playing a lot, they’re running and riding their bikes and swimming, and they’re so active they can even burn more calories, so we’re glad that we’re able to provide a nutritious meal for them to take care of them.”
More information and updated schedules can be found at the Morgan County Schools Food & Nutrition Facebook page.
