Gainesville included in new statewide child nutrition initiative

ATLANTA - Action Ministries is launching a statewide child nutrition initiative this summer called Smart Lunch, Smart Kid.

It is aimed at providing 140,000 healthy meals and educational enrichment opportunities to children in need during the summer months in Gainesville and other designated Georgia communities. Action Ministries Gainesville hopes to serve 400 children in Gainesville and Hall County five days a week for the entire summer.

To that end organizers say they are looking for individuals and organizations to serve as partners and pledge to donate lunches on a given day or days. They are also looking for a location to serve as a collection point for some of the supplies, including zip-lock bags (sandwich size), individually packaged salty snacks, bottled water, and fruit snacks like fruit cups or fruit roll ups that are nonperishable.

Action Ministries says its educational component is starting to come together "really well" with a pledge from the Drug Free Coalition of Hall County to a week-long education program. The group hopes to partner with Gateway and for discussions about domestic violence and prevention; the Hall County Fire Sheriff's Office; fire departments; and police departments "to teach the children about doing the right thing, being good people, and helping in their community."

Organizers are looking for sponsors, volunteers, donors, and participants in Smart Lunch, Smart Kid, as well as ideas. If you have an idea you would like to see implemented this summer or have other questions about the program, contact Felissa Elfenbein, Smart Lunch, Smart Kid Program Coordinator Gainesville/Hall County (770)531-0144 x 5644 [email protected]