When members of Wrightsville Presbyterian Church saw a need in their community, they took action, and the Summer Lunch Program was born.

The program will run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on weekdays from Monday, June 8, through Friday, Aug. 14, in the church's fellowship hall at the back of the church, 205 N. Second St., Wrightsville.

"When we learned that one in three kids in Eastern York School District is on a free- or reduced-price lunch during the school year, we knew we could fill that gap over the summer," said Alicia Ferrari, outreach coordinator for Wrightsville Presbyterian Church. "It started with a dream, a few passionate people, and turned into a reality with the help of our amazing community."

This is the third summer for the program, which provides daily lunch meals for school-age children in Wrightsville and Eastern York School District. Registration is not required; children can just show up any day for lunch.

The program is completely funded by community members, Ferrari said, adding that the church is looking for Monday meal sponsors. If no sponsors are found, the church will provide Monday lunches. Tuesday and Thursday meals will be brown bag lunches meant for takeout.

"Grandview Church York and Remax Pinnacle: The Bridge Team are currently hosting food drives to fill these bags," Ferrari remarked. "Wednesday's hot meals are prepared and provided by John Wright Restaurant and include some of the kids' favorite options, like chicken fingers and fries, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken alfredo pasta and walking tacos. Fridays, we serve Marcello's Pizza - Wrightsville."

She said by the end of last summer the program was serving about 45 meals a day.

"We make sure to offer fresh, local produce every day alongside meals, including salads, fresh fruits and vegetables," she stated. "We even pick kale and spinach from our garden at the church and make smoothies for the kids. The kids love a kale smoothie, can you believe it?"

Tuesday and Thursday meals are available to go, with dine-in only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

"We offer activities for the kids, crafts, etc.," Ferrari said. "The program is very much 'drop-in' style, no timeline activities. Some kids just come to socialize, some come to eat and then leave, some stay the whole time."

Ferrari coordinates the program along with pastor Jesse North.

"This year, we have hired Jessica Ruth to run the daily operations at Summer Lunch," Ferrari said, noting that Jessica works at a local school during the year and many of the kids already know her from that or from her ice cream truck, called Get Creamed Soft Serve, that she operates during the warmer months.

"I wanted to be a part of the Summer Lunch Program because I care deeply about supporting children and families in my community," Ruth said. "As a math interventionist, I already work closely with students during the school year, and since I'm off during the summer, this is a meaningful way to continue helping students in a positive and supportive environment."

Ferrari hopes any child who wants lunch will come out for the program, and she encourages community members to support the initiative.

"This program is funded 100% by our community," she said. "We accept donations online at http://www.wpcpa.org. Donations are tax deductible. Our fundraising goal this year is $14,000. We accept in-kind donations of single-serve snacks and drinks. We accept perishable donations during the program as well."