Jul 9, 2009 3:43 pm US/Central
North Texas Programs Offer Free Summer Meals
GRAPEVINE (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
During the school year, children receive free or reduced lunches, but during the summer there aren't as many options. Luckily there are several North Texas programs that are offering free summer meals.
"I can't begin to tell you how much it's helped me," said father Larry McKenzie. Until now, McKenzie said he didn't know there was a summer lunch program in his area.
McKenzie said he had steady work for a long while, then things slowed down and money started getting tight. Now, he brings his son to a summer lunch program run by the
Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange (GRACE), a non-profit organization that provides families with food, clothing and even medical care.
"Especially now in these economic times, it's so needed," McKenzie said.
Lately there have been more and more families in need. Last summer, GRACE served 400 children a day -- this year, they're serving about 600. The summer lunch program is run on an honor system, so any school-age child can receive a free meal.
Even though GRACE runs the program, volunteers provide all of the food and help. "We're really thankful for the churches, businesses, civic groups and all the people that make this a successful program," GRACE spokesperson Keith Miller said thankfully.
Tammy Nicodemus volunteers with grace through her church - White's Chapel United Methodist in Southlake. "These kids go to school with some of these kids," Nicodemus said of some of the program participants. "Our kids are no different from the kids we're serving."
While most children said participating in the program gives them a chance to play with their friends, most parents said they are just thankful for the help. "The families need as much assistance as they can possibly get," McKenzie said.
Click here for or a list of non-profits providing free summer meals.
Click here to find out more information about GRACE.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
