Child lunch program to resume
SLIPPERY ROCK — For the third year, the Feed My Sheep Food Pantry will hold a summer lunch program for children.
Carol Lambert, pantry coordinator, said the program will run from Mondays through Fridays from June 16 to Aug. 22.
In the program’s first year, 155 children came with 96 participating regularly. Last year, 250 came, with 96 regulars.
“It’s just a growing program,” Lambert said. “It’s amazing.”
The program started in 2012 because the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank recommended its members begin such a program.
Although the program is designed for children who get free and reduced price lunches at school, volunteers will serve anyone 18 years or younger.
“It’s for the kids,” Lambert said.
Volunteers will cook food at Center Presbyterian Church in Slippery Rock, and volunteers will transport it to serving sites.
Food will be served at Slippery Rock Park, Harrisville Community Park, Madison Grove Apartments in Slippery Rock, Maple Manor Mobile Homes in Brady Township and Brady Hills Mobile Home Park in Brady Township. Food will be served outdoors except at Brady Hills, which has an extra room.
“All volunteer transportation, volunteer cooks, volunteer everything,” Lambert said.
Local restaurants and Giant Eagle, as well as the American Legion in Harrisville, have donated to the program in the past.
“We’re so richly blessed to be in this community that is so generous,” Lambert said.
Additionally, the Slippery Rock Community Library and local teachers have donated books, so every child getting food also can get a book.
In years past, different groups and churches would staff the program for two weeks at a time. This year, Lambert said, there are enough people taking part that organizations will only staff it for one week.
She said anyone who is not affiliated with an organization or church but wants to volunteer may contact her. Those interested may call Lambert at 724-794-8680.
