By Paige Gurgainers
As school cafeterias close for the summer, many families face a new challenge: making sure their children continue to have access to healthy meals each day. Fortunately, several programs and organizations are stepping up to help ensure no child in Webster Parish goes hungry this summer.
The Webster Parish School Board is once again offering its Summer Meals Program, providing free meals to children ages 0-18 regardless of whether they attend a Webster Parish school. Meal distributions will take place throughout the summer at Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School, Doyline High School, J.L. Jones Elementary, North Webster Upper Elementary, and Northwest High School.
In addition to school-based meal programs, families can also access food assistance through local community organizations. The Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry in Minden continues to serve families in need with grocery assistance and emergency food support. Community Services offices in Webster Parish can also help connect residents with food resources, SNAP benefits and other assistance programs.
For families seeking additional options, the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana partners with agencies across the region to provide food assistance throughout the summer. The organization works with local churches, pantries and community groups to help meet the needs of families facing food insecurity.
Louisiana’s SUN Meals Program also offers free meals to children at participating schools, churches, libraries, parks, and community centers across the state. Families can find the nearest meal site by calling 1-866-348-6479 or texting “SUMMER MEALS” to 97779.
Another resource available to many families is SUN Bucks, a summer grocery benefit program that helps eligible households purchase food when school meals are unavailable. Families are encouraged to check their eligibility through the Louisiana Department of Education.
According to Feeding America, millions of children across the country rely on school meals during the academic year. Programs like these help bridge the gap during the summer months, ensuring children continue to receive the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Local leaders encourage families who may need assistance not to hesitate to reach out. For more information about summer feeding programs in Webster Parish, contact the Webster Parish School Board Child Nutrition Department or visit the Louisiana Summer Meals website.
No child should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from and these programs are working to make sure they don’t have to.
(Editor’s note: If your church or organization is hosting a summer feeding program, please put information in the Facebook comments section.)