The United Way of Knox County has aimed to provide 20,000 lunches this summer to local students.
Over 50% of local students receive a free or reduced price lunch during the school year. Executive Director of the United Way of Knox County, Laun Dunn, tells WGIL the lunches will be provided Monday through Friday until school resumes. “We’re doing twelve locations,” Dunn said. “Knoxville High School….The YMCA…..the Knox County Housing properties…..anywhere that we saw a concentration of need – we’re trying to respond to that need.” The lunches are provided at what are called “open sites.” “Even if you have (a) cousin that comes in and visits your children – they’re still allowed and are going to get a lunch if they go to the lunch site,” Dunn added. “We don’t turn any child away based on need. It also preserves the pride factor. Nobody has to prove income or prove need.” The goal is to provide 20,000 lunches this summer. On the first day – Monday, June 4th – 264 lunches were served. Meals are provided by “Food for Good” through Pepsico and are made possible by donations to the United Way. If you would like to volunteer at one of the sites, or to donate, visit the United Way of Knox County’s website. You can also text “UWKC4U” to 4144 to donate.
