Nonprofit Offers Free Lunch For Families, Volunteers
BY Mark Dee
The Hunger Coalition’s summer lunch program continues its countywide tour through Aug. 21, offering free food for kids and their families until school comes back in session next month.
The Bloom Truck runs Monday through Thursday each week, hitting a rotation of five stops.
Through the first three weeks of its ninth season, the truck served 1,458 lunches to kids and their families in Carey, Bellevue, Hailey and Ketchum.
“We have had a fantastic turnout so far,” said Youth Engagement Supervisor Chloe Lichtenberg in a statement.
The Hunger Coalition is pairing up with other local nonprofits to offer activities at each stop. The Community Library’s Bookmobile often runs in tandem with the Bloom Truck, allowing kids to check out summer reading. Other partners so far include The Advocates, Hailey Public Library, Footlight Dance, St. Luke’s Clinical Nutrition and the Environmental Resource Center.
Here’s where you can catch the truck:
‘Volunteer for Veggies’ in Hailey, Bellevue
Have a green thumb? Help The Hunger Coalition grow fresh produce through its Volunteer for Veggies program—and take some home for yourself.
Three times per week, volunteers can harvest crops in either Hailey or Bellevue. That food makes its way into The Hunger Coalition’s Bloom Truck for kids to eat throughout the summer—minus the share you’re allowed to keep for your own kitchen.
Sessions are:
–Mondays, 5:30-7 p.m. at The Hope Garden, S. First Avenue and Walnut Street in Hailey.
–Wednesday, 5:30-7 p.m. at The Hope Garden (Spanish with English translation)
–Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Bloom Community Food Center, 110 Honeysuckle Street, Bellevue, followed by a free lunch.
“In nine seasons, these programs have taken root in our community,” said Kristin McMahon, communications manager for The Hunger Coalition. “We’re grateful for everyone who shows up and brings life to these programs and for all of those who continue to invest in Bloom to see them well into the future.”
The nonprofit is also looking for other volunteers; learn more by emailing info@thehungercoalition.org, calling 208-788-0121, or going online to TheHungerCoalition.org.
