A new initiative is underway to ensure children in Oak Ridge, Oliver Springs, and Clinton have access to nutritious meals during the summer months. Through a collaboration between Oak Ridge Schools and Southwest Food Excellence LLC, free lunches are being provided daily at various locations via the ETHRA Sunshine Bus. This program, funded by a grant from Y-12 National Security Complex through East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA), aims to bridge the gap when school meal programs are unavailable. Any child under 18 can receive a complimentary lunch Monday through Friday until June 27.

The summer meal service operates on a carefully planned schedule across multiple sites within the community. Starting with The Blossom Center in Oak Ridge at 10:30 AM, the bus then travels to the Oliver Springs Library at 11:30 AM. Following this stop, it heads to the Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool for an extended period from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Lastly, the Clinton Splash Pad receives visits from 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM. Additionally, lunches are available at Oak Ridge High School Café earlier in the morning.

This endeavor marks an essential step toward addressing food insecurity among young people during vacation periods. Kristina Barnard, General Manager of Southwest Foodservice Excellence, expressed her dedication to maintaining support for students and their families throughout the year. She emphasized that partnerships like these play a crucial role in ensuring no child faces hunger during non-school times.

In addition to mobile distribution points, static venues such as the high school café provide further convenience for families seeking nourishment options. Such comprehensive strategies reflect a commitment to promoting well-being beyond academic settings alone.

With the backing of significant local organizations and agencies, this program exemplifies how collaboration can lead to meaningful solutions addressing critical needs. Families are urged to participate fully in this opportunity designed specifically to safeguard the health and welfare of their children over the summer break.