Kids Lunch Club - Summer 2026
About the Program
Each summer, many children in our community lose access to the reliable meals they receive during the school year. It’s estimated that up to 150 kids in Decorah alone face gaps in adequate nutrition when school is out. At the same time, the number of families qualifying for free and reduced-price meals continues to grow—highlighting an increasing and urgent need.
Kids Lunch Club was created in response to this challenge. What began as a simple idea has grown into a community-wide effort, with dedicated volunteers coming together to prepare and serve meals throughout the summer months. Our goal is simple: to ensure that every child has access to a healthy meal, even when school is not in session.
This program is open to all children and youth. There are no income guidelines—just an open invitation for children and youth to enjoy a free lunch, connect with others, and enjoy a sense of belonging. Beyond nutrition, Kids Lunch Club offers something equally important: family connection and engagement during the summer months.
Please join us in making this program possible.
This is truly a collaborative program powered by our community. Representatives from the faith community, school district, city, nonprofit and business community have all come together to create the Kids Lunch Club. We appreciate your support and are looking forward to making 2026 the best summer of Kids Lunch Club yet! If you have questions regarding Kids Lunch Club please contact Shanna Putnam Dibble, Kids Lunch Club Coordinator, at decorahkidslunchclub@gmail.com or call 563-419-6624. You can also follow Kids Lunch Club on Facebook for important updates and information!
PACK
June Lunch Packing Volunteer Signup 2026
DISTRIBUTE
lunches served to date
volunteers
When and Where
Lunch Distribution Schedule and Locations *1 lunch per child/youth and child/youth must be present at pick up
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- Weekdays starting Monday, June 1
- Locations: Freeport Park from 12:00-12:15 and Carrie Lee Elementary School from 12:30-12:45
- In addition to healthy meals, Kids Lunch Club will be providing opportunities for youth and family engagement and fun throughout the summer. Follow Kids Lunch Club on Facebook for updates!
Cost
Lunches are provided at no cost to the kids.
Family Engagement Activities
In addition to healthy meals, Kids Lunch Club will be providing opportunities for youth and family engagement and fun throughout the summer. Stay tuned for more information!
Additional Information
Can a child bring home lunches for their siblings or neighbors? No. Each child in need of a lunch must come to pick their lunch up. Who can participate? All children and youth ages 18 and under are welcome to come enjoy a healthy meal! How can I help? Individuals, families, teams/groups, and businesses are all welcome to volunteer for Kids Lunch Club! Donations are also greatly appreciated.
Volunteers pack the lunches twice during the week, and additional volunteers help with lunch distribution at two sites.
Lunch Packing Volunteers
These volunteers make sandwiches, prepare fruit, cut up vegetables, portion out trail mix, and all the other essential tasks to packing up a delicious and healthy lunch for kids. A leader will be on site to introduce volunteers to the menu and how to properly prepare the lunches.
There are two different times each week throughout the summer (Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.) that volunteers are needed to pack lunches, each requiring five volunteers. Children and youth who are developmentally ready to volunteer and help pack lunches are encouraged to volunteer and help support our community!
Lunch Makers must be 14 years old to attend by themselves. Children should only be signed up for a volunteer spot if they are able to help pack lunches at home and are able to focus their attention for an hour. No babysitting is provided. Please use your discretion on a minimum age (if your child is not able to help pack lunches at home, or if they have trouble focusing for one hour, they should not attend). Lunch making example duties: sandwich making, cutting veggies, washing fruit, portioning snacks into bags, stuffing bags, etc.
Distribution Volunteers
Distribution volunteers ensure that kids are greeted and easily find a lunch and additional items for breakfast the next morning. They also assist with setup and cleanup as needed at distribution sites. Two adult volunteers are needed per day and will distribute lunches at both Freeport Park and Carrie Lee Elementary School. Volunteer shifts run from 12:15-1:15 p.m. on weekdays M-F (12:15-12:35 p.m. at Freeport Park and 12:50-1:10 p.m. at Carrie Lee Elementary School).
FAQS
How do I sign up? Click on the link(s) above!
Do I need to sign up? Can I just show up to help? Please sign up. Signing up helps us make sure we have enough people to run this project smoothly and it helps ensure that volunteers are well utilized when they come to help (too many volunteers at once can lead to people standing around or feeling under utilized).
I’m not good with technology. Can someone help me sign up? Absolutely. Call Shanna Putnam Dibble at 563-419-6624 or email decorahkidslunchclub@gmail.com for support.
Decorah UCC
PO Box 470
Decorah, IA 52101
Or you can donate online by credit/debit card or electronic check via the payment form below.
Thank you for supporting this amazing possibility. If you have questions feel free to email decorahkidslunchclub@gmail.com or call 563-382-2661.