This summer, a new partnership addresses childhood hunger in Allen County by expanding the Allen County Public Library’s free meals program. The library has teamed up with Blessings in a Backpack Fort Wayne to provide more free food to kids during the summer. The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne contributed $3,000 to the summer feeding program through the Engage Grant program.
This initiative complements the ACPL’s partnership with Fort Wayne Community Schools, which offers free lunches to children every weekday during the summer. Jama Ross, Executive Director of Blessings in a Backpack, notes that the need for these programs has grown.
“The soaring cost of groceries and rising inflation are really hurting families. We’re seeing more households becoming food insecure. These programs are crucial because they allow us to step in as the need increases.”
ACPL plans to distribute approximately 5,400 bags of food throughout the summer, available for pickup at the Main Library, Georgetown, Hessen Cassel, Little Turtle, Pontiac, Shawnee, Tecumseh, and Waynedale branches. The program doesn’t require proof of need and is open to any child in need of extra food. Donations from Health First Allen County, the Do It Best Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, and the Rifkin Family Foundation fully fund it. The program runs from June 7 to July 26. Food is available to any youth under the age of 18.