United Way Addresses Summer Hunger
Summer Eats Provides Free Meals to Lee County Children
Beginning May 31st, United Way of Lee County will provide free meals to all children and teens in Lee County throughout the summer.
Kids and teens will be able to get a grab-and-go meal from one of our sites throughout Lee County. Meals will feature kid-friendly foods.
No registration or ID is required, and participation is open to all children and teens 18 and under.
United Way of Lee County began serving summer meals in 2017. The program has evolved and all items included are individually wrapped and shelf-stable.
Lunch serving sites will be open on Wednesdays providing 3 meals for each child, along with extra goodies.
Additionally, beginning in 2022, we are partnering with Lee County public libraries to offer more convenient pick-up locations for working parents. All library sites will have meals available during library hours. The program will run from May 31 – August 10.
2023 Summer Eats Dixon Meal Sites and Serving Times
- Old Lincoln School (Open Sesame): 12-12:30pm
- St Paul Church: 12-12:30pm
- Wooden Wonderland: 12-12:30pm
- Splash Pad at Vaile Park: 12-12:30pm
- Dixon High School: 12-12:30pm (beginning July 5)
- Jefferson School: 12-12:30pm (beginning July 5)
- Washington School: 12-12:30pm (beginning July 5)
- Paw Paw Boys and Girls Club
2023 Library Partners:
- Amboy Public Library
- Ashton Public Library
- Dixon Public Library
- Franklin Grove Public Library
- Paw Paw Public Library
Summer Eats is meeting a real need in the community. Even before Covid-19, 21.5%, of Lee County children were food insecure, meaning they
have limited or uncertain access to safe and nutritious food. This issue has been compounded during and after the pandemic. Children who are hungry or
food insecure are more likely to be in poor health and less likely to form friendships, to be curious and to learn. This summer meal program responds to this problem.
United Way of Lee County runs the Summer Eats program with the help of countless community partners. Lee County Council on Aging and Lee-Ogle Transportation System (LOTS) will be providing delivery and service for Lee County communities outside of Dixon.
We are looking for volunteers to help make and serve free meals for kids every Wednesday from May 31 – August 10. You can help one day or many days – whatever works for you and your schedule. Volunteers are needed on Wednesdays for packing meals from 9:45-11am and 11:45-12:45pm for handing out meals at sites in Dixon.
Choose your volunteer position and dates here or reach out to United Way of Lee County at 815.284.3339 or service@uwleeco.org
United Way of Lee County runs the Summer Eats program with the help of countless community partners. If you are interested in providing
sponsorship, please contact Sheila Buccola at sbuccola@uwleeco.org.