Editorial

Library aims to meet hunger needs during summer

Last week, the Riverside Regional Library branches began serving free meals to children as they stopped by for summer reading program activities.

According to a story written by Lindsay Jones, the library system used a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant last year to help provide lunches. The concept was meant to fill a need for children who live in poverty to have a lunch option during the summer, while also partaking in the opportunity to learn.

"We found last year there are a lot of kids who are hungry, and this is a great program," library director Jeff Trinkle said.

Last year, about 300 meals were served at the Oran and Benton, Missouri, locations. But the grant disappeared this year, and instead of dropping the program, the library is using some of its funds to keep the meals coming.

Thanks to the library's efforts, almost 1,000 lunches will be served, but they will not be served every day. The meals will come with pop-top containers of tuna, a package of sesame-seed kernels, crackers, raisins and juice boxes. The meals were purchased by the library system for $2,550.

We think this is a good program and a good cost. And what could be better than helping feed hungry children while also encouraging literacy?

Library branches in Jackson, Scott City, Benton, Oran, Perryville and Altenburg are participating. If you live in the Riverside library district, please help spread the word about this program.

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