ROCHELLE –– During the school year, no child has to worry abut hunger as a meal is provided for lunch. During the summer while most students are enjoying their break from the classroom some are going hungry as the school lunch is no longer provided.
To help fill in the gap from May through August free lunches are served at five locations throughout Rochelle.
A sack lunch is available for any child age one through 18 Monday through Friday. The summer food service program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture as part of the school lunch program.
Lunches are served weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Shangri La Park, Cooper Park, Connolly Park, Hillcrest Park and New Life Four Square Church.
While the meals are available and free for all area children, Burrs is looking to reach more students.
“Sixty percent of the school system receives free or reduced lunch, that is 2,000 elementary students and we are only serving 200. We need to reach more students,” stated Burr.
The summer lunch program does not have to follow food guidelines as the food is delivered pre packaged and ready to be served. The meals are delivered fresh each morning and included a fruit, vegetable, and sandwich.

“We are not food handlers, but food handers,” said Burr.
Help needed
Volunteers are needed to help the program run smoothly. The summer lunch program does not have any paid employees and is maintained by volunteers.
Volunteers are able to collect community service hours and school volunteer hours for their time.
Burr stated, “we have enough food and we have the funding but what we can not get is volunteers.”
Volunteers are not required to commit to a set day or time as a new site schedule is set every week.
“I am willing to take any time anyone is willing to give, even if it is only an hour all summer,” said Burr.
Burr explained each site must have one trained volunteer, but others can help at the location without training.
“If you can hand out a box and make a tally then you are qualified, that is all it takes,” stated Burr.
Volunteers are asked to pick up meals at Hicks Hall located in Rochelle United Methodist Church prior to serving the meals at site. After 12:30 volunteers wipe down the park tables and return coolers and leftover food to the church.
Along with a nutritious meal, the summer lunch program provides a positive interaction for the kids. The summer food service program teaches kids about a healthy diet while creating an environment in which children can belong.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Burr at 815-751-2722 or email rochellesummerlunch@hotmail.com.