Eau Claire (WQOW)- There are a number of different groups working to make sure no child in the Chippewa Valley goes hungry this summer.
Starting Points, along with a handful of other community partners in Chippewa Falls, are teaming up to serve nutritious and free meals all summer long.
"There are definitely kids who come here who would be in danger of not having a nutritious meal if they didn't come here or have a meal at all," says Starting Points Executive Director Mary Clay Santineau.
Homework may end when school is finished but hunger does not. There are some children who routinely receive a free or reduced price meal at school that are in danger of going hungry during summer vacation.
"We've had a number of parents say that if it wasn't for the meals at summer lunch I wouldn't be able to feed my children every day I wouldn't be able to have the gas money to drive to work," remembers Santineau.
The summer lunch for kids program began in 1999. Outside of a well-rounded meal, kids can take part in fun activities; with a little bit of learning mixed in. Interns from area universities give short lessons on things like healthy snacks and smart beverage choices.
"The program is funded partially by a grant from the DPI and from community charities," Santineau explains.
In Eau Claire, free summer meals can also be found at Longfellow Elementary and at The Boys and Girls Club. To take part in any of these programs, all you need to bring is an appetite.
"There are more people in need one of the great things about this program is that there is no paperwork no questions asked anyone with a child can come and eat here," Santineau says.
Meals are served Monday through Friday at noon at Christ Church in Chippewa Falls. Beginning Tuesday, June 11th and continuing through Friday, August 24th kids and their parents or caregivers can eat a nutritious lunch for no charge. Christ Church is located at 624 Bay Street in Chippewa Falls.
Here is a list of locations and meal times in Eau Claire:
Longfellow Elementary School
512 Balcom Street
Breakfast will be served from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Lunch will be served 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
All meals will be served Monday through Thursday beginning June 18th and continuing through July 19th.
Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley
201 East Lake Street
Breakfast will be served from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Lunch will be served from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
A snack will be served from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
All meals will be served Monday through Friday beginning June 13th and continuing through August 24th.
