Effort Feeds Children and Strengthens Neighborhood

By Pastor Lex Liberatore, Lake Edge UCC and LENA member

Beginning in late January a new community partnership will address hunger and bring our Lake Edge neighborhood together. Lake Edge United Church of Christ, Zion Lutheran Church, and Frank Allis Elementary School are organizing a "back pack nutrition program" for low-income students who attend our neighborhood elementary school. The program will provide weekend non-perishable food for up to 60 students for the Spring 2017 term at Allis, with a goal to expand to 100+ students by Fall 2017. The food is meant to help close the gap for some of the 75% of students who live at or below the poverty level at Frank Allis Elementary School. As part of this effort, a special first Friday free-meal is also planned at Lake Edge UCC beginning in February. The First Friday meal is a way to support families on a tight budget and to allow neighborhood, church, and school to mingle and build relationships with each other. If our neighborhood can learn about each other and what are lives are all about we can create a real sense of hope. Look for more details in future articles; including the official start date. For more information or to inquire about helping out, contact Pastor Lex Liberatore at Lake Edge UCC, 608-222-8668 or email at pastor@lakeedge.org.

Editor's Note: LENA has been invited to participate and contribute to the initiative.  As the program details are being worked on, the specifics are unknown at this time however LENA Board and Pastor Lex are in contact.  We will be sure to keep you informed as things progress.