In its ninth season of providing service to the community, Loaves and Fishes will again be offering a summer lunch program at Wallner Hall, located at 337 Ohio Street in Chinook. The program began on June 3 and will extend until August 8. Because Loaves and Fishes is supported solely by personal and church donations, organizers of the program are seeking individuals interested in sponsoring a day.

The program has a long and storied history. Approximately ten years ago, while she was serving as Chinook School District's Clerk, Nellie Jo Nicholson heard about a government program that offers free lunches to young people over the summer months when school is not in session if a certain percentage of the school population qualifies for free and reduced lunches. Because the school chose not to initiate a summer lunch program, Nicholson thought to pass the idea along to the local churches.

A short time later, the Chinook Alliance Church hosted a dinner for policemen, firemen, government workers, and other public servants. Pastors from other area churches were also invited. Those in attendance at that dinner discussed what churches might do to help with various needs in the community. Betty Billmayer brought up the idea of the summer lunch program. Since Alec Arnzen-whose wife was the Presbyterian pastor at the time-was very interested, Billmayer and Arnzen visited further on the topic. After these discussions, the pair advertised a meeting, again inviting church officials to attend. From that meeting, Loaves and Fishes was born as a program, and it took off from there, with 2011 being their first season.

"Feeding the hungry is a need in our community during the summer, and we exist to help meet that need," Billmayer explained.

At that time, the Presbyterian, Methodist, Assembly of God and Alliance churches chose to be involved in the operation. They selected Wallner Hall as the service site because the kitchen there is certified for serving meals. The group decided to operate Mondays through Thursdays throughout the summer with an hour for lunch and half an hour for activities. Activities range from Bible teaching to games, visiting local museums, and hosting various speakers.

The sponsoring churches take various weeks, rotating to lead these activities. Meals are served family style, and a kitchen crew works each day of the week, with older children often stepping in or being asked to help. "We make up menus at the beginning of the season," Billmayer reported. Meals are free to youth through age 18, but preschoolers need to be accompanied by someone at least 16 years old. Those who wish to participate need permission forms, which are available at Chinook Assembly before 11:00 a.m. or at Wallner Hall before noon.

According to Billmayer, most of those who participate are grade schoolers or children from out of town who come for the summer to stay with family. "Some of the youth have been coming since the first season, and it has been fun to watch them grow up," Billmayer said. "Furthermore, the past few years, Don and Tanis Ross have donated all the hamburger for the season. People have also donated garden produce, and their generosity is greatly appreciated," she added.

Due to busier schedules over the years, organizers have shortened the Loaves and Fishes time each day from an hour and a half to just an hour. "We have about 30 minutes for the meal and 30 minutes for activities," Billmayer described. "Often, that time is broken up into 15 minutes for activities or discussion, 30 minutes for the meal, and another 15 minutes of activities. On Thursdays, we do sack lunches and then take the kids outside for games or something."

Billmayer served as the Loaves and Fishes program chairperson for the first three years. After a couple of years, the American Lutheran church joined the program, and Pastor Valerie Putt chaired the program for three years. The current chairperson, Pastor Josh Seymour from the Assembly of God Church is on his third year as the group's leader. When his term expires, Pastor Maggie Lewis from the Presbyterian church will take the chairperson position. The American Lutherans have stepped away for a time as they focus on other ministries, so Loaves and Fishes has returned to the support of its original four founding churches. Volunteers from other churches have also helped in the kitchen at times.

The Program's current theme is "Reaching Kids One Meal at a Time," and their goal is to feed the hungry, some of whom have commented they might not eat that day if it weren't for the lunch provided. "We don't target any specific kids such as low income," Billmayer commented.

Loaves and Fishes believes that meeting the physical need of hunger is important but so are the needs that are unseen. As part of the program, a Vacation Bible School-style learning is part of the feeding program each day.

Billmayer went on to explain: "Another goal is to share the love of Jesus with the children. Many of our activities are centered around Bible stories and teaching. We also talk about table manners and behavior."

Because Loaves and Fishes is not government funded, the organizers are able to teach from the Bible. "We are fully funded by individual and church support," Billmayer said. "Previously, we've always had sufficient funds to pay our bills since several donors give on a yearly basis. However, right now we will likely be short at the end of the season unless additional funds come in. That's why we thought we'd make an appeal for help. For about $75, sometimes more and sometimes less, we can feed an average of 30-35 people," she added.

At the end of the season on August 8, Loaves and Fishes hosts an evening meal and program for families and community members at Wallner Hall. "The past few years we've hosted a Business After Hours event, but I understand the Chamber isn't having those anymore, so we'll just do something similar on our own, inviting community members and families of kids who have attended the program during the summer," Billmayer said.

Anyone interested in contributing to this important ministry is encouraged to contact a member of the Loaves and Fishes' Board of Directors: Pastors Ritch Grimes, Josh and Kristi Seymour, Jack Mattingly, and Maggie Lewis, plus Sharon Thackeray or Betty Billmayer. Kristi Seymour is the organization's treasurer. Individuals can also call 357-2425 for more information about the program or to make a donation.