Organizers of the Wahkiakum Summer Lunch Program are inviting the public to offer suggestions and to participate in the process.

The countywide program provides lunches to children and households June 21 – July 29, Monday - Thursday.

Last summer the unexpected challenges of COVID-19 created an increase in food insecurity for Wahkiakum County households.

"With financial support from our Board of County Commissioners, an amazing army of volunteers donated their time for 11 weeks to prepare and distribute 5,334 lunches across the county," reported spokesperson Suzanne Holmes. "Additionally, we were able to provide 5,730 lbs. of canned food, pantry staples, and more than 600 lbs. of fresh produce."

There are multiple resources for food assistance in the county, and organizers encourage those who may need help to utilize the available services at:

--Wahkiakum County Food Bank, Cathlamet, Tuesday 2-4 p.m., (360)795-3497,

--Helping Hand, Cathlamet, Thursday 10 a.m to 3 p.m., (360)795-0425,

--St. Catherine Catholic Church/St. Vincent de Paul, first and third Wednesday, 9 a.m. to noon, (360) 795-8725, and

--West End Food Pantry, Rosburg, Thursday 1-5 p.m., (360)465-2310.

"Our goal with the summer lunch program is to build healthy kids for a healthy community," Holmes said. "We can do a lot or a little. We just want to make sure we do enough. Help us determine what enough looks like.

"Now is the time to let us know what your family needs and would participate in. Our current schedule

coordinates with the planned Summer School schedule for Wahkiakum School District. This is your chance to tell us what you want."

Program options include:

--Just a Bag Grab & Go: Sack lunches available for pickup at designated sites.

--Take A Seat, Eat, & More/Outdoor Café 2021: An option to join other kids for a meal and structured/supervised activities (games, crafts, gardening), noon to 2 p.m., Wendt Elementary School, or

--Something Else: What are you thinking?

Volunteers are always needed to help prepare and distribute lunches.

"If we have enough interest in a 6-week Outdoor Café we will need volunteers to assist with the activities," Holmes said.

Contact Holmes at billsueholmes@msn.com or

360-430-3771 for further information or to volunteer.