Come for Food, Stay for Fun
The parking lot of Ridge Lawn School served as the backdrop for the Chicago Ridge Public Library’s (CRPL) first of seven Summer Meals kick-off events. Kids eager to shake off the end of the day were attracted by Taylor Swift lyrics coming from the library’s tent. Kid’s that came by could sign up for a library card, check out books from the library, and play games such as UNO and Cornhole while their parents learned about the Summer Meals program at the library.
A parent looks on as her student plays a game of UNO in CRPL’s tent
Though this will be the 2nd summer the library has partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (the Food Depository) to provide free nutritious lunches to kids ages 18 and younger, it’s the library’s first summer doing kick-off events to let the community know about their Summer Meals program. The seven kick-off events the library has scheduled throughout Chicago Ridge are made possible by a grant they received from the Food Depository to help expand community awareness of the Summer Meals program.
Rise & Shine Illinois caught up with representatives of the Chicago Ridge Public Library: Dana Wishnick, Library Director; Irene Ciciora, Youth Services Director; and Samantha Zimmerman, Youth Services Assistant at their event.
Pictured from left to right- Dana Wishnick, Samantha Zimmerman, Irene Ciciora
R&S: Why are these kick-off events important?
CRPL: We are trying to get out beyond the library doors to let people know what we have to offer. We have resources as well as food that can help feed you during the summer.
R&S: What prompted the library to start a Summer Meals program?
CRPL: The Chicago Ridge School District 127.5 provides free lunch and breakfast to every K-8th grade student but when the school year ends all those meals students rely on disappear. We wanted to help serve a need that wasn’t met. In the summer we get students because of the activities we offer so taking over the lunch component made sense.
R&S: How is the library connected to ending summer hunger?
CRPL: If kids are hungry they can’t focus on reading. We want to be able to fulfill both needs at the library by feeding their minds with books and feeding their tummies to make them ready to learn and be full.
R&S: What makes the library a good place to host the Summer Meals program?
CRPL: Combining it with a couple hours of programming, a child can have a place to go to get a healthy meal, engage in activities, and socialize with other kids so it becomes more than just a summer lunch but a community experience.
R&S: What has been the most rewarding part of operating a Summer Meals site?
CRPL: Seeing kids happy and smiling in the library. Besides getting food they are seeing that the library is a resource that is there for them throughout their lives – whether it be reading for pleasure, learning, making friends, or hanging out.
Lunches will be available at the Chicago Ridge Public Library, Monday – Friday, 11am -12pm beginning Monday, June 10 – Friday, August 16. After lunch kids are invited to Stay & Play in the library from 12-2pm.
