Two years ago, we asked that question. And the answer is still no.
The statistics on hunger in America, particularly among children, are startling to many (to see them, go to the website of Feeding America), but a program called the Summer Lunch Box demonstrates what a single Junior League can do.
Working in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank in conjunction with McKinney Independent School District, the program provides a free lunch program to at-risk children in the area.
Now in its third year at the Junior League of Collin County (JLCC), the program is up and running, last year alone serving 10,448 lunches to eligible schoolchildren.
How does JLCC do it?
The old-fashioned way – dedicated community partners and committed League volunteers who pack the lunches and supervise the distribution. For the Summer Lunch Box program, the partners are Seven Loaves Food Pantry and a $25,000 grant from a local restaurant called The Keg.
Located in two distinct areas, Plano and McKinney, the Summer Lunch Box program is able to reach a vast number of those who are hungry and needy living in Collin County. Children arrive every day in the summer at around 11 am at McKinney ISD’s Webb Elementary looking for a smile and a lunch to eat. Lunches included a sandwich, some sort of snack, fruit and something to drink.
So that’s the formula. A great idea. A committed League and its members. Community partners. And a community need that would otherwise go unserved.
That’s a good formula for creating lasting community impact!