Annual summer food program experiencing growth

Loretta George/Tribune photo Grace Hardwick hands out free lunches to Xavier Bradley and Katherine Bradley as part of the Food 4 Summer program that Hardwick facilitates.

The Food 4 Summer lunch program started by Grace Hardwick three years ago has grown.

So much so that in order to continue until Aug. 22, there is a current financial need, Hardwick said.

"It takes $250 per day to run the program," Hardwick said. "There has been a tremendous outpouring from churches, individuals and businesses, but we are daily adding kids. As of this week we are looking at $2,000 to finish out the summer."

The first summer program began with 25 hungry kids in the community. The second summer, 60 kids started the feeding program. This year 100 kids started the program and currently 130 meals are given out daily.

"I've increased accountability and streamlined the program," she said. "I'm keeping track of records and of where the food is going."

Lunches are distributed daily at different sites: Buck Run Community Center, My Father's House Outreach Center, Winfield Scott Elementary School and Fort Scott Middle School. Some meals are also delivered to Fort Scott Housing Authority (FSHA), where some children are taken care of by their grandparents. Transportation to the sites is handled by volunteers, which includes the churches involved and Lorna Harden.

Any leftover meals are given to FSHA.

"Leftover meals are taken to the 'high rise', most of them have fixed incomes. We try to help as many people as we can," she said.

Hardwick said she is grateful for the support of the community.

Churches that are helping with the summer lunch program are Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, Community Christian Church and the Seventh Day Adventists Church.

"The Catholic Church has also provided meals for one day this summer," Hardwick said.

About 15 businesses have contributed by giving money or donating food.

Hardwick said her parents, Steve and Laura Dunfee and sister, April Lapp and her family have also helped put meals together for the program.

"It's a ministry. I want my daughters to grow up with a mindset to help others and recognize that there is a need out there," she said.

Families may sign up for the program through the Beacon, My Father's House Outreach Center or by contacting Hardwick at (404) 502-3000.