JC Kids’ Lunch Bunch in the Park Kick-off Day!

The 14th season of JC Kids’ Lunch Bunch, Johnston City’s only USDA-supported summer meals program, begins May 22 in the city park. Since its humble beginnings in 2010, Lunch Bunch has served approximately 50,000 meals to local children, their parents, care- givers, volunteers, and neighbors. Volunteers delivered approximately 20,000 meals during COVID restrictions.

Since COVID restrictions have lifted, Lunch Bunch serves daily meals at Mike Dean Memorial Park (behind Washington Middle school, adjacent to the Scout Cabin) in Johnston City. In inclement weather, participants will dine inside the Scout Cabin. The program begins Monday, May 22. Meals are served each weekday 11:30am – 12:30pm through July 28 (excluding July 4).

JCity Church (Johnston City Free Will Baptist Church) is the official sponsor of this Summer Food Service Program. This year, staff members of the new nonprofit community development organization, JCity Center for Hope and Renewal, will direct the program, assisted by volunteers from JCity Church and many other local churches and businesses. Funded in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Illinois Board of Education, Lunch Bunch serves free, nutritious meals for children ages 1-18, regardless of family income.

The church accepts donations (tax-deductible) of any size or gifts in-kind (food items, paper goods, desserts, fresh vegetables, services, gift cards, etc.). Donations from the community buy food items for kids’ “Friday Bags,” meals for parents or other adults bringing children to the park, and weekly prizes used as attendance boosters. Make checks payable to Lunch Bunch and mail to PO Box 55, Johnston City, IL 62951 or give online at jcitychurch.com.

For more information about Lunch Bunch call Keith Fletcher, 618-952-1272, jcitycenter@gmail.com. Daily menus and other information will be published on Facebook (JCLunchBunch).