Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen Summer Feeding Program Kicks Off June 1
The summer months can be especially challenging for children who are at risk of hunger. Approximately 43% of children in Nebraska receive free or reduced-fee lunches at school, and that percentage can soar as high as 90%, depending on the circumstances. Once kids are out of school for summer break, access to dependable sources of nutritious food plummets, which is why Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen is such an important program in the community.
This year, Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen will run from June 1 through August 6, providing free, hot, nutritious lunches to children 18 years of age and younger at eight locations around the metro, including local libraries, parks and apartment complexes. Serving times will vary by location; click here for a complete schedule.
Last summer, amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was temporarily paused while The Salvation Army and Food Bank for the Heartland responded to rapidly evolving community needs by transitioning resources to a drive-thru food distribution program at area schools. This year, Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen resumes with The Salvation Army temporarily overseeing the program while Food Bank for the Heartland continues to focus its efforts and resources on ongoing programs that address emergency community needs related to the pandemic.
Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen volunteers will serve meals from Salvation Army mobile food trucks – called canteens. Pandemic safety protocols such as masks and social distancing will be followed.
Volunteers are still needed to serve as canteen drivers and to help distribute the meals. Each volunteer will be part of a team of four that will make three stops along a designated route, serving meals to children in the area. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, call 402-898-6000 or visit our volunteer website.