Community outreach and meeting the needs of local families took center stage during the March 26 Lions Club meeting, as members heard from a special guest about ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity in the area.

Lion Lindsey welcomed Mickey with the Church of Christ, who shared details about two impactful food programs currently serving hundreds of residents throughout the community.

Mickey spoke about the church’s long-standing monthly food distribution, which takes place on the second Thursday of each month. The program, supported by partnerships with the regional food bank and generous local donations, continues to be a vital resource for families in need.

According to Mickey, the monthly distribution currently serves approximately 180 families, reaching an estimated 750 individuals. She emphasized that the program has remained consistent over the years thanks to strong community support and volunteers dedicated to helping others.

In addition to the monthly effort, Mickey highlighted a newer initiative that has quickly made a difference among local students. The “BackPack Buddies” program provides children with a bag of snacks and drinks to take home over the weekend, helping ensure they have access to food when school meals are unavailable.

“This program is something I’m especially passionate about,” Mickey shared, noting the importance of supporting children beyond the classroom.

The BackPack Buddies initiative currently serves 116 students ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade. Organizers follow specific nutritional guidelines to ensure each bag contains items that are both nourishing and satisfying.

Lions Club members expressed appreciation for the presentation and the continued work of the Church of Christ in addressing hunger in the community. The programs not only meet immediate needs but also provide reassurance to families and children facing food insecurity.

Those interested in supporting either the monthly food distribution or the BackPack Buddies program are encouraged to contact the Church of Christ for more information on how to donate or get involved.

The presentation served as a reminder of the power of community partnerships and the difference that local organizations can make when working together to care for their neighbors.