Kathie Mason hands meal bags to a family.
Feeding students throughout the summer is the goal of Yvonne Johnson, Ottumwa Schools' Director of Food Service.
Her team has been involved in the effort to feed Ottumwa's youth since schools were closed in March. That initial effort included several community organizations, including the YMCA, Bridge View Center, Food Bank of Southern Iowa, 10-15 Transit, and United Way of Wapello County.
With funding from the Iowa Department of Education, the program will operate through August 21. Volunteers, though, are still critical to the success of this effort. Currently, volunteers are bagging two days worth of meals on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Volunteers also man the10 distribution sites around the community, ensuring that families have access to meals if needed. Individuals or groups interested in helping are encouraged to contact Johnson. "I absolutely would love to have more groups package meals” she said.
Through access to grants such as the federal Fresh Fruits and Vegetables program and the Department of Defense, Johnson is able to add fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to the required meal components through the end of June. At that time, though the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables program will end, she will continue to incorporate fresh produce as part of the meal requirements. Breakfast and lunch menu items are diverse and nutritious. Items include chicken wraps, cheeseburgers, pizza, pasta, chicken, cereal, and chef salads. Milk is a part of every meal.
Site volunteers who started in March have continued to work to support Ottumwa youth. Many of these are district employees.
"I'm doing it because I want to make sure kids are eating, especially since they have been home since March," said Kathie Mason, a Douma teacher who retires this month. She is also impressed wtih the meals being delivered.
"It's a way to connect with families," said Kelly Young, a preschool teacher at Pickwick Early Childhood Center. "It is not just about the meals, the adults are needing people to talk to and its a great way to facilitate different conversations. The need is there. . . the kids look forward to the meals and everybody is so appreciative and grateful."
Groups and/or individual community members willing to volunteer can contact Johnson at [email protected].