Lunchbox Express: Feeding Kids Throughout the Summer

Did you know that nationwide, 22 million kids rely on the National School Lunch Program for free and reduced-price meals during the school year? And 68% of Denver Public Schools students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch. When school lets out for summer, those meals that families heavily rely on go away.

Fortunately, there are summer lunch programs like JFS’s Lunchbox Express program to help fill the gap in the Denver metro area. Lunchbox Express is a mobile food delivery system that distributes free breakfast and lunch to kids during the summer. On Fridays, families will receive extra food for the weekend. There is no proof of income required. All children 18 and under qualify for free meals, no matter where they live or go to school.

Through a dedicated cadre of volunteers, we will serve food at nine locations—mostly existing food pantries including the JFS Weinberg Food Pantry. We anticipate serving more than 96,000 meals to about 800 families throughout the summer. Check out the locations and details about the program!

We need volunteers to prepare for delivery by loading bags of food into the Lunchbox vans and to distribute food at the various locations. Commitment is flexible—sign up for one shift or weekly shifts throughout the summer. Ages 13 and up can volunteer for certain roles, so it’s a great family activity and way to fill your teenager’s calendar! View the schedule and sign up.

If you or someone you know needs food this summer and aren’t able to get to a Lunchbox Express location, find the site closest to you.