Summer Lunch, Learn set June 15-July 31

by Cori Hilsgen

news@thenewsleaders.com

All area youth 18 and younger are invited to participate in a free lunch and enrichment activities in two St. Joseph parks from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. daily Monday-Thursday, June 15 through July 31.

Enrichment activities will include crafts, stories, games and more. Participants can register during the first week at each of the two parks.

Monday and Tuesday lunches will be served at Centennial Park; Wednesday and Thursday lunches will be served at Klinefelter Park.

Catholic Worker member Molly Weyrens said the various St. Joseph organizations are excited to partner again with other churches in St. Joseph, as well as the YES! Network to help alleviate some of the food insecurity for families during the summer.

“We are especially excited about partnering with Anna Marie’s Alliance in having them do an activity each Wednesday related to healthy relationships,” Weyrens said.

Weyrens said St. Cloud State University volunteers make 800-1,000 meals daily, five days each week during the summer. These meals are delivered to various sites around the St. Cloud area.

She said more people are now aware of the program so organizers are hoping participation numbers will increase this year. Last year about 40 children were served.

The summer lunch program is a partnership event of the Central Minnesota Catholic Worker, Church of St. Joseph, College of St. Benedict Community Kitchen, Gateway Church, Resurrection Lutheran Church, St. Benedict’s Monastery and the City of St. Joseph.

Anyone who is interested in participating, volunteering or learning more about the summer lunch program for youth 18 and younger can email centralmncw@gmail.com or call 320-363-7505, ext. 350.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering to help make meals at SCSU can contact Ruth Weichman at ruth.yes.network@gmail.com.