Regional Food Bank Summer Meals Program Returns to Kay County

Children across Kay County will once again have access to free meals and snacks this summer through the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Summer Feeding Program, which begins June 1 and runs through Aug. 7.

The annual program provides nutritious meals to children ages 18 and younger during the summer months when school is not in session. Nearly 120 sites across central and western Oklahoma will participate this year, offering either on-site meals or grab-and-go options.

According to the Regional Food Bank, the program is made possible in part through support from Love’s Travel Stops, which is sponsoring the initiative for the third consecutive year.

“Summer should be a time of growth and opportunity for Oklahoma children, not a time of hunger,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “Our Summer Feeding Program helps provide consistent access to nutritious meals, ensuring every child stays healthy and ready to thrive in the school year ahead.”

Several Kay County locations will participate in the program this summer.

The Blackwell Public Library, located at 123 W. Padon Ave., will offer grab-and-go meals from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on June 3, June 10, June 16, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22 and July 29.

The Kay County OSU Extension Office, 226 S. Maple Ave. in Newkirk, will distribute grab-and-go meals from 10 a.m. to noon on June 1, June 10, June 17, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29 and Aug. 5.

In Ponca City, the Foursquare Church at 701 W. Chestnut Ave. will provide grab-and-go meals from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20 and July 27.

Summer Feeding Program meals are available free of charge to all children age 18 and younger. Depending on the location, meals may be provided as congregate meals, which must be eaten on-site, or as grab-and-go meals that may be taken off-site.

Families can find additional participating locations and updated information by visiting rfbo.org/summermeals.

Then Summer Feeding Program is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered through the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Meals are provided without charge and without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

Founded in 1980, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma serves 53 counties across central and western Oklahoma and is the state's largest hunger-relief nonprofit organization. Through a network of community partners, schools and agencies, the organization works to provide food assistance to children, seniors and families facing food insecurity.