‘The power of community.’ Centre County eatery handing out free meals for kids this summer
While kids can eat in the restaurant, the meals are pre-packaged in what’s designed to be a “judgment-free” program. Little Mamma's Pizza in Pleasant Gap, Centre County, is providing free lunches for kids and teens through the summer. The idea is to ensure local youth have their nutritional needs met during the summer, as they do not have school lunches. The free lunch program includes pre-packaged selections such as a small sandwich, fruit or chips, and a bottle of water or juice. The food is designed to be judgment-free and is available for grab and go. The YMCA of Centre County is continuing its summer lunch program with bulk meal distributions throughout the county. Other local businesses have supported the initiative, calling it a role model for business.
公開済み : 11ヶ月前 沿って Stef Kempton の Lifestyle
A Centre County pizza shop is doing its part to make sure no child goes hungry this summer. With a program that kicked off Monday, Little Mamma’s Pizza in Pleasant Gap is providing free lunches to kids and teens through Aug. 23. The idea is to make sure local youth get their nutritional needs met while they don’t have school lunches to rely on over the summer.
Little Mamma’s Pizza is a family-owned small business led by Lucio Perez, who said the foundation of his business is family. So he said an initiative like this, that serves local kids, just makes sense.
“As a small family-owned business, our mission from day one (has been) to provide family meals that involve fresh locally-sourced ingredients, a welcoming environment, and affordable menu options,” Perez said.
The free lunch program offers pre-packaged selections that include a small sandwich, fruit or chips, and a bottle of water or juice. Little Mama’s staff will also do their best to provide vegetarian options when possible, including veggie wraps and fresh salads. While everyone is welcome to sit down and eat their free lunch in the restaurant, Perez said he purposely designed the meals as pre-packaged and ready to go.
“To ensure our school-aged youth feel welcome, our free meal program is designed to be judgment-free, that’s why (it’s) perfect for grab and go,” Perez said.
Perez came up with the idea by listening to customers and getting to know families in the area. He noticed a need in his community and worked with his family to develop the summer free lunch program.
According to Feeding America, a nationwide organization dedicated to ending hunger in the U.S., there were about 17,260 people, including children, in Centre County in 2022 who were food insecure. Food insecurity is defined as the lack of access to enough food to engage in a healthy lifestyle, with children especially vulnerable to hunger.
Little Mamma’s Pizza held the free lunch program last summer as well and Perez said the community response has been wonderful. On Monday, the first day of this year’s program, the restaurant gave out 18 free lunches.
Other local businesses have been vocal on social media supporting Little Mamma’s generosity. Blanca Jimenez, owner of Plum Pristine Clean in State College, shared information about the free lunch program on her business’s social media accounts and applauded Little Mamma’s for their efforts.
“We believe in the power of community and supporting local businesses. Little Mama’s Pizza, with their free lunch program for kids, is a role model for how business should be done. By sharing their initiative, we hope to amplify their kindness and inspire others,” Jimenez said.
In addition to the free lunch initiative, Little Mamma’s Pizza also has donation boxes set up in the restaurant for people to drop off school supplies. The staff will then make sure the supplies reach local school kids.
Little Mamma’s Pizza is located at 105 S. Main St. in Pleasant Gap. The free lunch program is available 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The YMCA of Centre County is continuing its summer lunch program this year with bulk meal distributions throughout the county. At the distribution sites, children will receive breakfast and lunch meals for five days, along with a menu and cooking directions. Due to changes from the USDA, there are no congregate feeding sites this year.
Visit the YMCA’s website for pickup sites and more information.