Summer Eats

Summer Eats Provides Free Meals to Lee County Children

Beginning June 1st, 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 June 1 – August 10.

2022 Summer Eats Meal Sites and Serving Times

• Old Lincoln School (Open Sesame): 12-12:30pm
• St Paul Church, Dixon: 12-12:30pm
• Wooden Wonderland, Dixon:  12-12:30pm
• Dixon High School (beginning June 29):  12-12:30pm
• Jefferson School: 12-12:30pm (beginning June 29)
• Washington School: 12-12:30pm (beginning June 29)
• Paw Paw Boys and Girls Club

2022 Library Partners:

Amboy 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. And this
issue has been compounded by 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
can respond 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 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 June 1 – August 10. You can help one day
or many days – whatever works for you and your schedule. Volunteers
are needed from 11:45-12:45 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 awike@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 Amanda Wike at awike@uwleeco.org.