L.O.A.F. program helps feed children during summer break

While the Lord?s Cupboard isn?t handing out manna from heaven, a new summer program at the local food bank may seem heaven-sent to local struggling families with school-aged children.

The Lords? Outreach Assisting Families program provides qualifying families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade one food voucher per week. The vouchers can be redeemed for food items and are designed to help offset the added food costs families incur feeding children out of school for the summer. During school months, these children receive free or reduced-cost lunches through the federal school lunch program.

The Lord?s Cupboard board of directors and coordinator Pauline Rodgers piloted L.O.A.F. last summer as a way to address growing concerns about the increase in food expenses families face during summer months. In the current economic climate, more parents are grappling with how to feed their children, said Connie Wells, secretary of the Lord?s Cupboard board of directors.

?For some families, that extra cost of lunches for their kids really stretches their food budget,? Wells said.

Searching for a solution, the Lord?s Cupboard board of directors turned to other communities to see how they were helping feed school-age children once schools let out.

?We saw other communities with programs targeting children who are out of school for the summer, but most of those programs provided free lunches daily, either in parks or other places,? said Wells.

Unsure of the practicality of serving lunch each day and concerned about long-term sustainability, the Lord?s Cupboard board of directors took that concept and tailored it; the voucher program was born.

Last year more than 160 vouchers were given out; this summer, more than 50 vouchers have been given to date. Vouchers became available June 1 and will continue to be available until school starts Aug. 22. In addition to the vouchers, people in need may receive groceries from the Lord?s Cupboard once every three months, and bread and rolls can be picked up weekly.

?It?s just wonderful to be able to help families in the summer months. With the economy and the lack of jobs, we need to make sure that children are taken care of. We don?t want anyone in our community to go hungry,? Wells said.

The voucher program is being funded with donations from area churches, community groups and private individuals. Donations may be sent to the Lord?s Cupboard at 54 S. B St., Fairfield, 52556. Donations should be clearly designated for the L.O.A.F. program.

The Lord?s Cupboard is open 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.