600 free lunches distributed to local children, families

MANSFIELD – Six hundred free lunches were shared with local children and families in need June 8-10 as Richland County Children Services teamed with several local agencies and businesses to feed local children by bridging the gap between the end of the school year and the start of the official summer food service program.

Three days of free lunches were distributed at the Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center, 445 Bowman St., and also at the Friendly House, 380 N. Mulberry St. The meals were also delivered by workers to families and children with transportation issues.

Both sites had lunches available in their respective cafeterias. (Click here for a photo gallery on the effort.)

The last day for most Mansfield City Schools was Tuesday and the summer food service program operated by the Erie-Huron Counties Community Action Commission did not start until June 13.

“We know thousands of local children rely on their schools for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunches,” said Carl Hunnell, communications supervisor for Richland County Children Services.

“When the school year ended this week, there was nothing available to many of these children until the summer food service program begins. The effort this week will help bridge the gap."

Agency volunteer coordinator Brianne Kindinger led the effort at the Friendly House.

"It was nice to see smiling children today enjoying a meal and taking a break from the heat. It was a wonderful opportunity to serve children and families," she said.

Children Services is working with Panera Bread, 2070 Walker Lake Road, Ontario, and Jones Chips, 823 Bowman St., again this year.

Panera donated 200 brown bag lunches a day, each containing a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich, apple and a cookie. Jones is donating three cases of potato sticks. Juice boxes will also be provided during the lunches.

"We cannot thank Panera Bread enough for their donation," Hunnell said. "For the second year in a row, the folks at Panera stepped up to the plate and hit it out of the park for children and families."

Other agencies participating in the effort include Richland County Juvenile Court, United Way of Richland County, Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission, Richland Newhope, the City of Mansfield Department of Regional Community Advancement and Richland County Job & Family Services.