Summer Lunch Bunch is serving an average of 85 children and 20 parents each day, and many community organizations and businesses provide activities for children in the hour before lunch.
ENFIELD - The Summer Lunch Bunch opened its doors to families on June 25 at St. Patrick Parish Hall on Pearl Street with a 45 percent increase in the number of children eating lunch.
Educational Resources for Children volunteer and project coordinator Roger LeBlanc said, "The increase is encouraging because our project is meeting the needs of the families."
Summer Lunch Bunch is a U.S. Department of Agriculture-sponsored free lunch outreach program for children aged 18 and younger.
New this year is the addition of free parent meals when they accompany their children to Summer Lunch Bunch.
"We are seeing a greater number of children under 5 years old that we did not see last year," LeBlanc added.
Currently, Summer Lunch Bunch is serving an average of 85 children and 20 parents each day, said LeBlanc. Lunches are provided by the Connecticut Renewal Team in Hartford.
In addition to enjoying lunch with their children, parents are also coming early to participate in activities, socialize with other parents and learn about services available from providers in the community. Lunch is served weekdays following activities, from noon to 1 p.m.
From 11 to 11:50 a.m., children can choose from a variety of activities including board games, building projects with LEGOs, arts and crafts, and a variety of cooperative games. LeBlanc said community partners also provide special activities for children daily.
Many community organizations and businesses provide activities for children in the hour before lunch.
Trish DelNegro, human resources director at Shop Rite of Enfield, for instance, has organized several days of face painting, and volunteers from Calvary Presbyterian Church have entertained children with games and crafts.
Annalisa Deal, from the Network in Enfield, will be demonstrating the art of making beaded necklaces and give children opportunities to create their own necklaces to take home.
LeBlanc said community partners not only give their time, but provide all the supplies to engage the children.
"All of these activities give children summer learning opportunities and we are grateful to our partners for their leadership and support," LeBlanc added.
Parent Jennifer Gray has four children attending Summer Lunch Bunch for the first time this year.
"This program is so helpful because we can get lunches and have a place to go for fun as a family," she said.
LeBlanc said additional local organizations including representatives from the Strengthening Families program, Neighborhood Services, Family Resource Center, Social Services and the Boy Scouts provide parents with information about the services and activities they provide.
"Representatives from these organizations don't just stand at a booth and wait for families to come to them. They circulate and talk directly with parents about services they need and all that are available in their community," LeBlanc added.
Bay Path College intern Jackie Barden is also available every day to provide information and answer questions about Educational Resources for Children's school-age centers, which operate during the school year. Barden will assist parents in completing enrollment forms and Care4Kids applications.