Medway Public Library Pilots Summer Lunch Program

Margaret Perkins, Director of the Medway Public Library, has a big heart. When summer approached, she knew that the USDA summer lunch program in Massachusetts, coordinated by Project Bread, did not apply to the town of Medway. For most of those programs, she says, at least 50% of the school children would have to qualify for free or reduced price lunches, but only 12% of Medway children do.
“I was concerned for that 12%,” says Perkins. “The relative wealth of the other 88% doesn’t mean they aren’t hungry during the summer.”
Perkins asked other Massachusetts librarians if their libraries participated, and received a lot of helpful responses. She considered applying for a grant for a weekly summer free lunch program, but since that would take so long, she says, she proposed asking local businesses, organizations and individuals to help fund a one-day-a-week pilot program.
The Library Trustees and the Friends of the Library were enthusiastic.
“The co-presidents of the Friends offered to talk to businesses to ask for donations. We couldn’t have done this without the Friends, who in addition to seeking donations have done much of the organizational work required to supply the bag lunches. I have been amazed at how many businesses, groups and individuals have offered to donate cash, food, and time to the Summer Lunch program. The response has been far greater than I could have hoped for. We have a wonderful community!”
Millis resident Bella, aged 12, was happy to help out Perkins and the Friends in cleaning up for the first lunch, on July 13th, sponsored by Direct Tire, (Garelick Farms supplies all the milk.). The young 4H Club member attended with her Mom, who says, “The food is actually really good, and they give you snack choices. It’s really great the community can come together like this to feed the kids during summer. We also enjoy that they have activities for kids afterwards.”
The pilot program complements the theme of the Library’s Summer Reading Program “Build A Better World.” Participants can join in Story Time at 11 a.m., enjoy lunch at 11:45, and participate in drop in craft and STEM activities after lunch.
“The free Summer Lunch program has proved very popular,” says Perkins. “The younger children are also enjoying the story times before lunch, and the older ones are having fun with building and craft activities,” says Perkins.
Other community partners in this pilot program include Roche Brothers, Restaurant 45, the Medway Community Church, the Medway Lions Club, Medway Oil, Whole Foods, and Nordstrom, the Friends of the Medway Library, and all the individuals who have donated and volunteered to make this program a success.
In 2015, 9.7% of Massachusetts households – nearly 675,000 adults and children – were food insecure. Food insecurity can be exacerbated during the summer
This first year, the Medway Public Library was able to provide 30 lunches each Thursday on a first-come, first-served basis, with registration required (there are still a couple open spots). The program will run through August 24th, and there are still some spaces left. Registration is required a week in advance, so that we know how many lunches are needed. Register online or call (508) 533-3217.
If you would like to make a donation to support this program or volunteer to help serve lunches please contact director Margaret Perkins at (508) 533-3217.
The Medway Public Library is located at 26 High Street in Medway.