Mancos FoodShare will offer free lunches to local children and teenagers this summer.
The program aims to fill a food gap when students are out of school. It will take place at the Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St., starting May 28.
“We just wanted to make sure that we were addressing the needs of youths in the community, make sure that they can eat well all summer long when they don’t have access to school food,” said Gretchen Groenke, director of Mancos FoodShare.
Mancos FoodShare focuses on promoting food security, access, and education in the Mancos Valley and operated under the nonprofit Mancos Valley Resources. The program began as a monthlong program last year.
“Food insecurity goes up for kids during the summer months because a lot of kids rely on free and reduced lunches through the schools,” Groenke said.
During last year’s four-week pilot program, FoodShare served over 250 lunches, she said.
They decided to expand it this year to three days a week all summer long.
The program is being funded through grants and individual and business donations, Groenke said. In particular, Deer Hill Expeditions and Open Sky Wilderness Therapy have supported the effort.
The program will be held on from May 28 to Aug. 8 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. It is open to Mancos children and teens 18 and under.
For more information, visit the Mancos FoodShare Facebook page.
ealvero@the-journal.com