Chinook's Loaves and Fishes eighth summer to begin June 4

 

May 23, 2018

The eighth summer edition of Loaves and Fishes, the ecumenical summer feeding program in Chinook, will meet at noon time, Monday through Thursday, beginning June 4 and ending on August 9. The ecumenical program, sponsored by five local congregations, was created to assure local children get a nutritious meal during the summer months. When it was discovered that the local school system would not qualify for a feeding program grant, the five churches stepped up to operate the program.

Five congregations, the Alliance, American Lutheran, Chinook Assembly, Presbyterian and United Methodist initially launched the program and still operate it. The people who work in the program are all volunteers. The food is purchased with donations or donated by local ranchers, farmers and gardeners. The program is open to kids ages five to 18 years of age and is held at Wallner Hall starting at noon four days a week.

Last year a Board of Directors was created to give new oversight to the program. Josh Seymour, pastor at Chinook Assembly, was selected as president of the new board. He said, "Loaves and Fishes has evolved to a level where it has a regularized way of feeding and teaching local children but there will always be new things that we hope will improve the program."

One major change started last year and still in place, is a required permission slip for each child to attend the summer program. The requirement was added to assure both parents and personnel with Loaves and Fishes know where kids are and that they are safe. There were rules also added about children younger than five and those accompanied by a babysitter rather than a family member.

With the new focus on improving parental communication, Seymour created a Facebook site for Loaves and Fishes. Pastor Josh noted, "We will use the new Facebook page to post information about upcoming events involving Loaves and Fishes, changes in schedules or special notices of interest to kids and parents. We'll also use the site to post photos about the programs we are doing." Find the site at facebook@chinookloavesandfishes.

Shortened length of the daily Loaves and Fishes is a big change this year

Likely the biggest change this year will be the shortened time Loaves and Fishes will meet each day. This year's daily schedule will run from noon to 1pm rather than the longer period used in past years. Seymour said, "The organizers shortened the time we will meet each day to improve the program and use our time more effectively. We want quality over quantity-more effective, shorter programs. We want the programs to bring the kids back again." The Blaine County Library, which offers summer programming after Loaves and Fishes, is aware of the time change and will start its programs immediately after Loaves and Fishes dismisses according to the new daily schedule.

In addition to the noon meal four days a week, the five congregations will be offering Bible stories, music and other activities during each day's shortened session. Educational programming is handled by the five congregations for a set period during the summer. The kitchen crews are made up of members from various churches each day. Betty Billmayer, one of the original organizers of Loaves and Fishes, said, "The summer feeding program is a great example of how small, rural churches can work and minister together."

Some regular features yet to be determined

Pastor Seymour said the committee that oversees Loaves and Fishes would be meeting throughout the summer to monitor how the program is going. Some regular features like the end of season barbeque and the distribution of backpacks is yet to be determined. Watch the Facebook site for updates, additions or changes to the program.

If you are interested in supporting Loaves and Fishes with a contribution of food, financial support or as a volunteer, call Pastor Jack Mattingly at the Chinook Methodist Church or Pastor Josh Seymour at the Chinook Assembly.

 
 

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