With school out for summer, the Lawton Public Schools Feeding Program has started. The program aims to provide free meals for kids aged 18 and under. It started June 5 and will run through July 21, Monday through Fridays. No service on June 19 or July 4.
There are 18 host sites where children can claim their free breakfast and lunches, but the Patterson Center, Owens Center, and HC King Center will provide free lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.
Patterson Center Activity Coordinator Yolanda Allen is excited to be a host site for the LPS meal program again this year. The amount of kids who come to the Patterson center varies because sometimes they will get up to 20 children, but Allen says that even providing a meal for one child feels like she has served.
“During summer, I like kids to have something to do and to be full. I remember back when I was young, we didn’t have programs like this and we were hungry!” Allen shared. “I am glad they have this for the kids. It’s all about the community and stepping up to help our kids that need our help and encouragement. Our kids are our future, so it is nice knowing Lawton is able to provide this program and more activities for them.”
More host sites for breakfast and lunch include Edison, Freedom, Lincoln, Ridgecrest, LRC, Sullivan Village, Hugh Bish, Pat Henry, YMCA, Lawton High School, and MacArthur High School. For lunch only, Elmer Thomas Park, Grace Fellowship Church, Kid Zone and Union Baptist Church.
The meals provided will be balanced and healthy. The Patterson Center will also have arts and crafts with Irma going on at the same time as the meals are being provided, so children can do arts and crafts while waiting or after they finish their meals. Allen is excited for summer and looks forward to all the activities the Patterson Center has planned.
The Patterson Center will also host a summer camp from July 12 to 14, an art class for children ages 3-5, and a women’s self-defense class will be starting up later this summer. Contact Yolanda Allen at yolanda.allen@lawonok.gov for more information.
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