☀️ Summer Lunch Program Returns for Another Season!

Our annual Summer Lunch Program officially kicked off on Wednesday, July 1st, and we're excited to once again help ensure Springs children have healthy, easy-to-prepare lunches throughout the summer. The program will run for nine weeks, concluding just before Labor Day.

PYP Teens harvesting and preparing vegetables at Share the Harvest Farm

We launched the Summer Lunch Program four years ago to help registered Springs recipients with school-aged children during the months when school is out. For many parents, summer isn't a vacation — they're working long days to make ends meet. That often means children are home on their own, making lunch with whatever is available.

"Sitting Crew" volunteers writing cards for each bag

Each week, we provide a special bag designed just for kids, with enough food for three lunches. Every bag includes easy-to-prepare proteins, organic juice boxes, healthy snacks, and yes... a few fun treats too, because, well, they're kids! This year, we've added a special touch: uplifting notes tucked into each bag by our amazing "Sitting Crew" volunteers. We hope these words of encouragement brighten a child's day and remind them that their community is thinking of them.

This summer, we're serving approximately 185 families with more than 300 children.

ReWild teens from East Hampton High School helping pack the Summer Lunch Bags for Wednesday Distribution

We're also incredibly fortunate to have the support of some amazing young volunteers. Every Wednesday morning, EH High School volunteers from ReWild South Fork Chapter, a Long Island Nature and Sustainability community service organization, pack hundreds of lunch bags. Each bag is carefully assembled based on the number of children in the family, from one to four kids.

By Wednesday afternoon, some of our youngest recipients can be seen skipping into the Pantry, peeking inside their bags with big smiles. They know those bags were packed just for them.

We're especially excited to launch a new partnership this summer between Share the Harvest Farm and Pitch Your Peers Teen. Share the Harvest is growing and donating fresh vegetables specifically for the program, while the Pitch Your Peers teens harvest, wash, and package the produce before delivering it to the Pantry. They also volunteer during Wednesday distributions, helping hand the bags directly to families.

Pitch Your Peers Teens helping with Wednesday distribution for Summer Lunch bags

A heartfelt thank you to ReWild, Pitch Your Peers Teen, and Share the Harvest Farm for helping make this year's Summer Lunch Program our best yet! Together, we're making sure Springs children have healthy food, caring support, and a reason to smile all summer long.

If you'd like to help support the Summer Lunch Program, we'd appreciate if you would consider a donation to Springs Food Pantry!

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