Every summer weekday, children in Utica and St. Louisville have the opportunity to receive lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, donated by churches and served by local volunteers.
The program started three years ago when Utica’s district no longer qualified for support from the Salvation Army.
Highwater Church, located in McKean Township, serves St. Louisville every Tuesday at noon. They receive a taco in a bag, fruit, a drink, and a sweet treat.
The program launched at the end of May, coinciding with the first week after school let out and summer break began. Highwater Church alone has served 138 children on the Tuesdays they provide meals.
While Highwater Church consistently serves St. Louisville, others, such as Grace Point Church and Utica Church of Christ, serve Utica on other days of the week.
Children in Utica can receive their lunch at Miller Park. Attendees receive a similarly balanced meal, but the menu is chosen by the donating organization.
On the highest-attended day, June 17, 62 children were served in Utica and 45 in St. Louisville, but the meal wasn’t the only draw. Chase’s Reptile Roadshow, an Ohio-based business offering hands-on educational experiences with reptiles and other animals, visited the St. Louisville program to engage attending children.
Many local businesses also donate food for the program. On Fridays, C&E Pizza Factory donates pizza for the children.
The Licking County Library also contributes by donating its time. The library has hosted storytimes and presented summer programs.
The program will continue through the end of the summer, with lunches available to any child who attends.
