Final Report: Pinckneyville summer food program nearly quadrupled

The Summer Lunch Program in Pinckneyville ran from June 9 to Aug. 14 this year, feeding an average of 115 children each day for a total of 5,640 meals. Last year saw an average of 30 meals a day.

The 2014 program differed in that lunches were distributed from five locations in Pinckneyville each day instead of at one central location.

Coordinator Bill Roe said it proved to be a very successful change.

As in years past, five local churches were responsible for preparation and distribution of the meals, each taking one day a week. The churches were Beaucoup Baptist, St. Bruno Catholic, United Methodist, First Baptist and Oak Grove Baptist. Many volunteers from other churches participated.

Approximately 15 volunteers worked each day with a minimum of 75 volunteers helping each week.

Total cash paid for food was $4,805. Caring and Sharing Thrift Shop paid 70 percent of the food expenses, Roes Dale Baptist paid 15 percent and the remaining 15 percent was paid by various individuals.

Donated food items accounted for a third of the gross food cost.

Roe said he hopes to provide even more service next year.