Free youth hot meal program heats up for summer

Jun 3, 2015

As the school year comes to an end, The Salvation Army summer program is heating up to provide free meals for children.

The Mobile Outreach Meals (MOMs) program spans across Minnesota and North Dakota. Kids age 18 and under are invited to enjoy a fresh, nutritious lunch.

“The program basically takes the place of free and reduced lunch offered during school year,” said Leslie Nibbe-Johnson, Mankato Salvation Army program coordinator.

“The summer meals are so important,” said Lieutenant Sean Wise, Virginia Salvation Army administrator. “Many children rely upon school provided meals during the week. But when school is out, many kids go without. This program fills the gap.”

Free MOMs Meal Locations

 

 

Fargo

 
The Fargo Salvation Army youth lunch program runs Monday – Friday, June 8 to Aug. 14, with the exception of July 3, 2015. All children are welcome. There are three locations, note the different times the meals are offered:

 

  • 11:10 – 11:40 a.m. CHARISM (McCormick Park) 2101 9th Ave. S. Fargo
  • 12 – 12:30 p.m. Elim Lutheran 321 9th Street N.
  • 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. Madison Park 3010 11th Ave. N. Fargo

 

Mankato

 

 

The Mankato Salvation Army community meals for children started June 1 and will run through Aug. 28, 2015. If you would like to volunteer for the lunch or any other program, please contact Leslie at 507-345-7840. Two mobile kitchens will provide meals at several locations Monday through Friday:

 

  • 11 – 11:25 a.m. Riverbend Mobile Estates, 600 Waseca Ave., Le Hillier
  • 11 – 11:30 a.m. University Mobile Park, 2001 Monks Ave.
  • 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Homestead Apartments, 140 Homestead Drive
  • 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. High Ciara Mobile Park, 1025 Belle Ave.
  • 12:30 – 1 p.m. Eastport Apartments, 1001 Eastport Drive
  • 12:30 – 1 p.m. Eastwood Manor Mobile Park, 2301 Hoffman Road

Watch a news story about MOMs by Mankato station KEYC-TV.

In addition to the six mobile kitchen stops, the staff and volunteers also serve free, hot meals at noon Monday through Friday year-round at the Mankato Salvation Army, 700 S. Riverfront Drive. All age groups, from children to adults, are welcome.

 

 

Virginia

 
Free lunch and dinner are available to children aged 18 and under at the Virginia Salvation Army Monday through Friday. Lunch is served 11 a.m. to noon; dinner is served from 3:50 to 4:50 p.m.

 

The program runs June 8 through Sept. 4. The free meals meet the nutritional standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Virginia Salvation Army is located at 507 12th Ave. W.

 

 

Willmar

 
The Willmar Salvation Army works in conjunction with Willmar schools to provide free meals for children during the summer.

 

There are five sites where meals will be served each weekday from June 8-Aug. 21, 2015. Please note the days and times:

  • 10:40 – 11:10 a.m. Monday through Friday at Sunwood Estates, 2601 15th Ave. N.W.
  • 11:15 – 11:45 a.m. Monday through Friday at Regency West, 401 30th Street N.W.
  • 12 – 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Dana Heights, 1300 Dana Drive S.E.
  • 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Monday through Friday at Welshire Park, 19th St. S.E. and 7th Ave.
  • 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Monday through Friday at Somerset Ridge 515 Lakeland Dr. S.E.

 

MOMs is offered in partnership with the Summer Food Service Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensures that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. This summer, USDA plans to serve more than 200 million free meals at SFSP sites.

Additional Free Hot Meal Locations

 

 

Albert Lea

 
The Albert Lea Salvation Army’s community lunch begins June 8 and runs until Aug. 28, 2015. Children are welcome. Meals are served every week day from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at 302 Court St. in Albert Lea.

 

Help is still needed and if you’d like to volunteer for the lunch or any other program please stop in or contact the Albert Lea Salvation Army at 507-373-8776.

 

 

Duluth

 
The Duluth Salvation Army offers a hot lunch every weekday, and children are invited during the summer months.

 

Last year 365 kids enjoyed the hot lunch program, including two-year-old Jonah who came in just about every day with his dad. Jonah not only put a smile on our faces, but his father’s as well, knowing that Jonah ate at least one healthy meal each day.

The Duluth Salvation Army is located at 215 S. 27th Ave. W. and lunch is served between 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

 

 

 

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