What’s your favorite summertime lunch? Turkey sandwich? Peanut-butter and jelly? A hot dog? Imagine not having your favorite lunch or any lunch since school is out for summer.

To combat childhood hunger, JCUMC partners with Action Ministries to support Smart Lunch Smart Kids (SLSK), a ministry providing lunch to kids who might go hungry since lunch is not being provided by the National School Lunch Program. JCUMC groups provide, deliver, and serve lunch to approximately 75 children three days a week during the summer break, winter break, spring break. Additionally, Action Ministries has added a literacy component to the program and invites groups to bring new or gently used books for babies through high school age students since many of the Smart Kids receiving lunch may not have access to the library over the summer.

Tim Chandler and Diane Durham are organizing JCUMC participants this year. Diane says, “SLSK is a wonderful program that lets us serve our own neighbors. These children go to school with our children and deserve to not grow up stressed about where their next meal is coming from. I serve with SLSK to show my children how to love their neighbors. It’s a wonderful summertime service activity that anyone can help with!” Tim, who likes finding different ways to participate in community outreach through the church, feels SLSK is a great way to represent the church and to support families and children in need.

Want to serve with SLSK? Although all sign-ups for this summer have been taken, some groups may welcome extra help or there may be last-minute schedule changes that will need some additional hands and feet! If you’re interested in gathering your neighbors, friends, Sunday School class, or professional colleagues to pack a smart lunch for smart kids please email connect@johnscreekumc.org to get on the list.