This summer, some 240 children in need enjoyed nutritious meals each weekday thanks to the combined efforts of Fayette County congregations and the support of community partners.
Over the past seven years Laura Cox of Fayetteville First United Methodist Church has worked closely with the Fayette County Department of Family and Children Services to gather the names of children who normally receive free lunches during the school year and coordinate the preparation and delivery of lunches.
The first summer it was just Fayetteville First UMC that provided lunch two days a week, but through the years more congregations have joined the effort.
This year, Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran provided meals on Mondays; Fayetteville First UMC on Tuesdays; Peachtree City First Baptist on Wednesdays; Peachtree City Presbyterian on Thursdays; and the Islamic Speakers Bureau on Fridays.
Community partners provided food, supplies and financial help. Among the businesses and groups supporting the effort were Publix, Ingles, Sam’s Club, the Master Gardeners of Fayette County, the Fayetteville Dwarf house, the Fayetteville Town Square Chick-fil-A, and the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta.
“And that doesn’t even count the many faithful cookie-bakers, sandwich-makers, fruit and produce gatherers, lunch-stuffers, and route drivers,” a spokesperson said. “Each year the Summer Lunch Program has grown, with God blessing the efforts of the volunteers who have discovered wonderful new friends through their shared service.”
