Filling the gap: summer food program serves and teaches

For lots of children, summer means sports, friends, swimming, vacations and all things fun.

But not every child in Bedford County is that lucky.

While the lucky ones can't get enough homemade goodies provided by a parent who's able to stay home, some children are more worried about satisfying their hunger during the summer months than they are about typical youthful concerns, such as what movie they're going to see next.

Summer meals for all

For the third year, Bedford County is participating in the United States Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which serves any child in need of a hot lunch up to the age of 18.

"There is a great need in this community," said Mamie Johnson, program director. "There are single parents who are working and their kids don't get a good hot meal during the summer months."

Freida Lusk, consultant for the program, added, "There are a lot of kids here who are hungry in the summer. During the school year they can get free breakfasts and lunches."

This year, about 200 children are served lunch by Johnson and her staff at the annex located behind Bright Temple church.

"Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does a child's need for good nutrition," according to the USDA Web site.

SFSP provides free nutritious meals and snacks, during the summer months, to children, many of whom -- but not all -- live in low-income homes.

A community need

Three years ago, Johnson, who owns and operates a residential living home and a supporting living home, saw a need for the program. She got online and filled out an application to get things started. Costs of the program, including salaries of Johnson and some of her staff, are paid by the USDA.

"It's sort of a family affair," Johnson said, explaining that her son and daughter-in-law are key people in the everyday operation of SFSP. "I do this because I feel like it's helping someone. This is my ministry."

Youth workforce program

Johnson and her staff have extra help this summer from a federal workforce program, derived from President Obama's federal stimulus package. Eligible young adults from the ages of 14-21 are placed in a work environment for the summer months; their salaries are paid by the federal government.

On Tuesday, Johnson, program monitor Joyce Johnson, program cook Byonica Starnes, and four youngsters from the workforce program, prepared to serve up hot bologna sandwiches, beans, and salad to about 200 kids, many of whom are transported to lunch via bus by Johnson's son.

The group works hard each day from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m., but they have a lot of fun along the way.

"I love to cook so it's not that hard for me," Starnes said.

Learning a new skill

Starnes is not only feeding children in need, but she is also teaching her understudies, the four in the workforce program, a new skill. Diana Godinez, 16, is soaking up every cooking tip she can from Starnes. Godinez contributes to the productivity of the program by teaching bits and pieces of Spanish to everyone each day.

"My favorite meal to prepare for lunch is breakfast," laughed Godinez. Starnes added that the breakfast lunch can get a little hectic, but it requires a lot of teamwork, and the kitchen crew has fun with that meal.

All meals are planned by Johnson and approved by the state before the beginning of summer.

Activities follow lunch

Following lunch each day, children participate in activities and games. Last Tuesday, local folk artist Eric Parker stopped by to give the kids a lesson in sketching.

"A lot of people don't even realize they have talent until they're instructed," Parker said. "Instructing them gives me joy."

When the children have had their fill of bologna, chicken strips, eggs and bacon, and enjoyed a daily activity, they are taken home via bus. Their full bellies give them the extra boost of energy needed to enjoy a summer evening with the rest of the kids in the neighborhood.