From: Kristin Breza
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 2:04 PM
To: Children Youth and Families - All
Subject: Summer Resource: Lunchbox Express
About Lunchbox Express
The NEED
Too many children depend on their schools for meals and go hungry during the summer when schools are not in session. In 2010, 41% (more than 361,000) of Colorado school children qualified for the National School Lunch Program that offers free and reduced fee lunches in schools. In summer 2011, Colorado served lunches to only 10% of those children.
We need improved delivery systems to raise the participation level and feed children who are hungry during the summer months.
The SOLUTION
Lunchbox Express (LBX) is a simple mobile food delivery system that targets discrete areas of underserved children and brings lunch to them.
A key symbolic element of our mobile model is the use of a mini school bus. This is a familiar and safe part of most children’s lives. We establish a set schedule, driving a loop of 3-4 stops in a community. Kids and their families can depend on the bus being there every weekday while school is not in session.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is the federal program that makes summer lunches available at approved sites. Food Bank of the Rockies is the sponsor for the LBX sites. The nutritionally-balanced packaged meals and milk are purchased and provided by the Food Bank of the Rockies from federally-approved vendors. There is no means testing for the families for this program. All children 18 and under qualify for a free lunch, no matter where they live or go to school during the year.
LBX Background
The Lunchbox Express (LBX) began from the idea that closed, static sites were not having a significant impact on children’s access to food during the summer session when school was “out”. LBX, a mobile service delivering to kids in their neighborhoods, where they live, was launched summer 2011 (by Allen and Hannah Levy, two long-time community activists and child advocates). Utilizing a donated, repurposed mini-school bus as the delivery vehicle, an enthusiastic band of volunteers, and a bus driver, served 6000 meals at 4 sites in Englewood, CO, during the 11 weeks when school was “out”.
LBX 2012 Operations
We will operate in two Denver Metro communities, distributing free lunches to any child 18 or under. With our bus drivers and our small army of volunteers, we feed kids who would otherwise go hungry when schools are closed.
http://lunchboxexpress.org/a_bus.html
Kristin Breza, MSW | Early Intervention Services Ongoing Caseworker
Jefferson County Department of Human Services | Children, Youth and Families
900 Jefferson County Pkwy. | Golden, Colorado 80401
303.271.4157 office | 720.315.5728 cell | 303.271.4200 fax
http://jeffco.us/hs | kbreza@jeffco.us
"Steps to a better, safer life."
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