Hunger doesn't take a summer vacation

The Congregations For Children (C4C) Rutherford County knows that together change can happen. And one of the changes they seek to make this summer is to keep children from going hungry.

"Cool Eats @ Cool Springs" Summer Lunch Program is set to begin on June 15. Provided through a sponsorship by the USDA, Second Harvest Food Bank and C4C, the program will provide a pre-packaged lunch Monday through Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Cool Springs Recreation Center in Forest City. Free lunch will be provided for the first 50 children ages kindergarten through twelfth grade.

"We spent a lot of time thinking about where we could reach the most number of children and where transportation wasn't an issue," said the Rev. Lucy Robbins, pastor of Caroleen United Methodist Church. "Cool Springs gym is a popular spot for kids in the summers, and the Forest City Recreation staff was on board."

The idea for a summer food program came to the surface, said Pam Carpenter, a member of Kistler's Chapel United Methodist Church, during a poverty training led by a consultant for Congregations for Children.

"It's a real passion among us, and that need just bubbled up to the top," Carpenter said. "We may not have jobs, but we have churches who can help with this."

Less than five percent of economically disadvantaged Rutherford County children participate in a free summer feeding program, Robbins said, which means there are nearly 6,000 children who are not receiving nourishment necessary for proper physical, mental and social development during the summer.

While the program is starting small at just one location, it is one Robbins and others in the group anticipate will grow. Volunteers are needed to help transport food, set up and break down the feeding site, serve meals and spend time talking with children and youth.

No training is needed to be a volunteer, but those who give their time may be required to have a criminal background check. A site supervisor will be on hand to provide more information. Volunteers will be needed Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. To volunteer, contact Carpenter at pcarpent06@gmail.com or call 828-286-2520.