Free lunches for Elgin youth

As kids turn off their alarm clocks for the summer and leave their textbooks behind, some feel the loss of the free lunch program offered by schools.

For the third year, the Elgin Parks and Recreation Department will fill that void with help from the Northern Illinois Food Bank and several local churches.

Randy Reopelle, parks and recreation director, said the free lunch program started in the face of a poor economy and high unemployment. The program continues under similar economic conditions and also provides a focus on nutrition in an era of high childhood obesity.

“Not only are they eating, but they’re eating something that’s nutritious and helps them stay healthy,” he said.

The Northern Illinois Food Bank provides the food for free and local churches offer sites and volunteers for about half of the lunch locations. The parks and recreation department staffs the rest.

Second Baptist Church in Elgin has participated in the program for two years, providing volunteers to oversee the meals from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays.

“It’s something good for the community,” said Kim Harris, administrative assistant at the church. “We love doing it.”

The Salvation Army, Bethesda Church of God in Christ, Christ Community Church, Elgin Community Church and Harvest Bible Chapel also volunteer.

Reopelle said the program served about 18,000 lunches last summer. Lunch is available for all kids younger than 18 with no registration required.

For details on the program, view the 2011 Summer Parks and Rec brochure at cityofelgin.org.