Fire Chief Mark Rohlfing packs sandwiches. Last summer, volunteers delivered 110,000 lunches, and the Salvation Army anticipates distributing 115,000 lunches this summer. Photo by Sue Vliet
The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County recently kicked off its annual “Feed the Kids” Summer Mobile Lunch program, drawing volunteers to Red Arrow Park to make sandwiches and pack lunches for this summer’s 10-week campaign. The program, which runs from June 20 to Aug. 18, provides lunches to children throughout Milwaukee who otherwise might not have access to nutritious meals.
The Feed the Kids Mobile Lunch program provides up to 3,000 meals per day. Last summer, volunteers contributed more than 3,000 hours of volunteer service to the program. Photo by Sue Vliet
According to the Salvation Army, more than 75 percent of students in Milwaukee County are eligible for free or reduced rate school lunches, and the program helps to address the needs of those vulnerable children during the summer months.
Volunteers prepare the lunches daily at the Salvation Army’s distribution center, and then they are wheeled off in vans to 26 distribution points in Milwaukee neighborhoods. In Clarke Square, the lunches are delivered at 12:10 p.m. to 2300 W. Vieau, and at 12:35 p.m. to 2400 W. Lapham, near Clarke Square.
County Supervisor Willie Johnson Jr. volunteered alongside other local dignitaries, including Mayor Tom Barrett. Photo by Sue Vliet
Several notable political leaders volunteered at the kick-off event, including Mayor Tom Barrett; County Executive Chris Abele; Common Council President Willie Hines Jr.; and County Supervisors Peggy Romo West, Eyon Biddle and Willie Johnson Jr. Also on hand were Milwaukee Bucks player Larry Sanders, Vice President of Business Operations John Steinmiller and Bango, the Bucks’ mascot, along with other business and civic leaders.
The program operates in collaboration with the Hunger Task Force, Milwaukee Public School District, West Allis/West Milwaukee School District, Milwaukee Center for Independence, Boys & Girls Clubs, Social Development Commission and HeartLove Place.
The Salvation Army needs volunteers Monday through Friday at Red Arrow Park, 920 N. Water St., to help prepare the lunches for distribution. More information about the program and distribution points can be found at www.SAmilwaukee.org.
