(L-R) Rotarian Jeff Tomlinson, his spouse Christy, and Rotarians Steph Folkedahl and Samantha Spilde at the Ice Cream Sundae Party
The Decorah Rotary Club (DRC) is proud to announce that Kids Lunch Club has been selected to receive $2,500 from the DRC and a matching $2,500 grant from Rotary District 5970. Area children using free and reduced lunch receive two meals per weekday at school during the school year but don’t have that option during the summer. Kids Lunch Club provides all area kids with free, fresh, and nutritious lunches throughout the summer. It was relaunched in 2022 after two years off due to COVID-19 and now includes periodic community building and enrichment activities.
“Approximately 22% of Decorah Community School District’s children receive free or reduced cost lunches during the school year,” says organizer Shanna Putnam Dibble, “but times are hard for many more families right now with increased food and gas prices.” By offering Kids Lunch Club to all youth, the program reduces the stigma of getting a free lunch and supports more families who are struggling. Local Rotarians selected Kids Lunch Club to receive these funds because of the DRC's commitment to child health, the innovative programming offered by Kids Lunch Club, and the opportunity for Rotary members to give their time. DRC members recently hosted an ice cream sundae party at Kids Lunch Club and look forward to packing lunches throughout the summer.
Photo Credit: Brecka Putnam
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