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In its third year, the Powell Summer Food Service Program is serving more meals than ever before.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 5,156 free lunches had been provided since June 1.
With a few weeks …
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In its third year, the Powell Summer Food Service Program is serving more meals than ever before.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 5,156 free lunches had been provided since June 1.
With a few weeks left to go, this summer’s program is on track to well exceed previous years. By comparison, a total of 3,747 meals were served last summer and 4,279 in 2018.
“The response from the community is very positive,” said Travis Tucker, nutrition services director for Powell Valley Healthcare, which coordinates the program.
On average, the program serves 165 lunches to local children each day, with a record-breaking day reaching 200.
Free meals are provided from noon to 1 p.m. on weekdays through July 31 at Homesteader Park (behind the Powell Aquatic Center) and at a new second location: The grassy area at the northwest corner of Powell Valley Care Center on Grand Street.
“The two locations have worked really well,” said Jim Cannon, spokesman for Powell Valley Healthcare. “We serve more at our on-campus location than at Homesteader Park.”
Tucker said the hope is to expand and add a third location on the south side of town in the future.
Each lunch includes a fruit and vegetable and the main item is typically a sandwich, make-your-own pizza or a yogurt parfait, Tucker said.
“We’re also hoping to throw in an occasional barbecue if circumstances allow,” he said.
The free lunches are available for all children under the age of 18; discounted meals are also available for adults.
Everyone who has received the lunches has been grateful and appreciative, Tucker said.
For Powell kids, free meals have continued without interruption since this spring. Park County School District No. 1 provided free meals through the last day of school on May 29, and the Summer Food Service Program started on June 1.
VISTA volunteers Gabri Lundberg and Isaac Gutierrez help with the summer program and “they are doing a great job,” Tucker said.
People have reached out wanting to donate or volunteer, but “unfortunately this year we are limited on using community volunteers because of the restrictions surrounding COVID-19,” he said.
PVHC is encouraging everyone to follow appropriate practices to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
The Powell Summer Food Service Program is brought to the community through support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
