Marion Community Schools has just wrapped up its second year of summer meal deliveries, a resounding success with nearly 187,000 meals distributed to local families!
Through this program, meal boxes are delivered directly to our families at home every 10 days, each box containing 10 breakfasts and 10 lunches. Families can sign up to receive one box, all seven boxes, or any combination in between! Deliveries started May 27, and the final boxes were delivered July 27, providing meals through Aug. 4 (the day before school starts back up). Altogether, we delivered 93,475 breakfasts and 93,475 lunches, for a total of 186,950 meals.
As part of the Summer Food Service Program for Children, created to serve nutritious meals to children when the USDA’s National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program meals are not available, all children age 18 and younger in the Marion Community Schools district qualify for this summer program. There is no income requirement for this program, and acceptance and participation requirements are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
During the school year, EVERY student in our school system, preschool through 12th grade, gets FREE breakfast and lunch, with no application or special requirements.
We also offer monthly food distributions at several of our school buildings through a partnership with Second Harvest, and various other partnerships that help us stock weekend bags, the MHS Caring Closet, and more. Students and families in need can reach out to the Home/School Coordinator at their building to find out what services may be available.
We are proud to offer these options year-round to our students and families. Combatting hunger is something that makes a real impact on the quality of life in our community.
MCS thanks all employees and community partners who make these efforts possible!