Hunger Intervention Program (HIP) is providing free lunches to anyone 18 years and younger at four north Seattle sites this summer. As an extension to HIP’s school year program to reduce hunger at local elementary schools; this year’s HIP Summer Meal Program is funded partially by the federal Summer Food Service Program, and supported by grants and interns from United Way King County and HIP staff and volunteers.
From Monday through Friday until August 30, free sack lunches meeting the federal requirements for the USDA Summer Food Service Program are served at the following sites. The hours at the Lake City sites were recently extended to accommodate more families. The program runs through August 30.
Lake City Court Playground 12536 33rd Avenue NE, 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Lake City Community Center 12531 28th Avenue NE, 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Jane Addams Playground 11051 34th Avenue NE, 12:00 – 1:30 pm
“We encourage children to stop by and enjoy a lunch at any of these sites. There’s no need to sign up or show any proof of income. These lunches are for any child who is 18 years or younger,” says Kate Murphy, HIP Executive Director.
The meals are prepared daily and transported to each distribution site by the HIP staff and volunteers in the Lake City Presbyterian Church kitchen. Food donations from Food Lifeline, Northwest Harvest, and local farmers, and purchased food are used in making the lunches. The University District Food Bank generously provides shelf-stable food bags each Friday at all of HIP’s meal sites, which enables children to take home meals and eat it over the weekend.
