Question: Is the program government funded or do you need to raise money? 
Answer: This is a government-sponsored program. The amount of funds depends on number of children and teens served. The government funds are not intended to cover the entire cost of the program. Any money raised through sponsors will be utilized for the summer lunch program. May include, but not limited to, transportation, food, non-food items pertinent to the program such as fiber board trays, napkins, sporks, promotional items, etc.

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Question: How much to sponsor a day?
Answer:  There is no specific amount for sponsoring the program. However, the estimated cost for bus transportation is currently $33/day.  We may or may not provide transportation. This is being looked into as a possibility.

Question: Is this non-profit?
Answer: Yes. This is a government-sponsored program and non-profit. Any money recieved goes directly to this program.

Question: Is this tax deductible.
Answer: With all the current changes in tax deductions, I would ask your tax preparer to be certain.

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Question: Instead of bussing kids from Aplington, could they go to their own park? This would save $33 a day, plus hiring bus driver. 

Answer: This would be an awesome idea, and definitely something we talked about. However, with government programs there are always rules and regulations we must follow. One of the regulations is that we stay within a certain demographic area, which happens to be in Parkersburg. The city park is the venue we chose, since this is the most accessible, and available on a consistent basis.

Question: Won't families take advantage of a free meal and eat even if they have money?
Answer: We ENCOURAGE families to take advantage of this awesome opportunity. Any child or teen 18 years and younger is welcome. No questions asked. This program cannot exist without community support.

Question: These are my tax dollars. Why am I paying for kids to eat free when their parents can afford to feed them?

Answer: Yes, these are tax dollars. The government establishes programs and decides where and how much tax money is utilized for any given program. Since these funds are available currently to our community, we will take advantage of any opportunity to feed a child.

Question: I can help drive a bus or van.
Answer: I am looking into this. Not 100% certain regarding liability.

Question: I would like to volunteer. How do I sign up?
Answer: There is a sign-up sheet available on this site. You will be required to read and sign some documents prior to participating. I promise, it is painless. 

Question: Do I need to sign up to eat?
Answer: No you do not need to sign up to eat. However, doing so will help us determine how much food to make for any given day. If you are bringing a large group; i.e, day care kids, bible school kids, neighbor kids - giving us a heads up the day prior would be appreciated. Once we run out of food that day, we are out of food. 

Question: What time will you start feeding the kids?
Answer: Our goal is to be ready to serve at noon. This program is based on first come, first served. Once we are out of food, we are out of food.

Question: Can I pick up the meal and take home to my child?
Answer: No. One of the regulations we have is that all food is consumed at the site. This is a food-safety issue. Once the food leaves our site we have no idea how long the food may be in the temperature "danger zone" which could cause food-borne illness. We have no idea if the food may have been tampered with off site. 

Question: Will my child be allowed to have extra at no cost? 
Answer: Unfortunately, seconds are not an option for this program, another  government regulation. 

Question: Can students help serve and do general volunteer work.
Answer: Yes. Jr. High and High School students are welcome to come help. All volunteers are required to read training documents and sign prior to volunteering. We are currently putting together documents and will add to this website when finalized.

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