MONROE COUNTY, Pa. (WLVT) - Summer Lunch Programs are gearing up in Monroe County to help feed students who rely on free or reduced-lunch during the school year.
Sarah Jacobi from Pocono Mountains United Way said about one in 10 people in Monroe County struggle with hunger and food insecurities. She said more than 50 percent of kids in the community are on free or reduced-lunch, so when school is out, they don't have many meals to eat.
Nearly 50,000 meals were served during last summer's lunch program, and they're looking to serve more this summer. Jacobi said the average cost for groceries can go up $300 during the summer to feed children who aren't at school during the day. "For families that are already stretched really thin, that’s stressful for parents to have to come up with that much extra money," said Jacobi. "Of course families can rely on food pantries to supply some of those needs, but knowing that five days a week they can get a breakfast, they can get a lunch for their kids, that’s a huge help for families.”
The summer lunch programs will take place throughout the county, and for more information on the hunger initiative, click
here or call 570.517.3953. If you're interested in volunteering, click
here.
