Nutritious lunches will be available to area youth again this summer through Cuyuna Lakes Lunch Bunch, a free program organized by area churches and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center.

The lunches are available on weekdays starting Monday, June 5, through Friday, Sept. 1, except for Tuesday, July 4. They will be at the following locations:  11 to 11:10 a.m. in Deerwood at Veteran’s Park across from the Deerwood American Legion; 11:20-11:30 a.m. in Ironton at Grandpa’s Park behind Mac Daddy’s Donut Garage; 11:35 a.m.-11:45 a.m. in Crosby at Assembly of God Church, 604 Oak Street; and 11:50 a.m.-12 p.m. in Crosby at Cuyuna Range Food Shelf, 302 Cross Ave.  Volunteers preparing and distributing lunches take all safety precautions including wearing gloves and masks.

The Cuyuna Lakes Lunch Bunch’s goal is to provide meals for students who normally receive free or reduced lunches through school programs. The lunches are prepared and distributed by several local volunteers including members of Immanuel Lutheran Church and St. Joseph Chapter of St. Vincent de Paul in Crosby; Cascade Methodist Church and Salem Lutheran Church in Deerwood; and employees of Cuyuna Regional Medical Center.

Last year, a total of 4,601 lunches were served through the program. That amount compares to 3,521 served in summer 2021; 4,142 in 2020; 5,672 in 2019; 6,164 in 2018; 4,861 in 2017; 4,650 in 2016; 3,820 in 2015; and 900 in 2014, the program’s first year.

For more information or to contribute to the Lunch Bunch, contact Ellen Brandt at St. Vincent de Paul, eltrbrandt@gmail.com. 

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