LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Most students in Jefferson County are on summer break but for many Louisville families, hunger doesn't take a vacation.

School's out for summer, and that means the school of hard knocks begins for some families in need. That's why JCPS has stepped up its efforts to provide food at several distribution sites so families can make sure their children have at least breakfast and lunch. 

A stream of cars and smiling faces greeted families Tuesday as they pulled up to the Egg Lawn at Beckley Park for the second week of bulk distribution. 

Beckley Park is just one of the new three bulk meal distribution sites offered by JCPS this summer. This week officials more than doubled the amount of food available after supplies quickly ran out last week. 

Mica Alexis, a mom of two, was among many families that didn't quite make the cut last week when food supplies couldn't keep up with demand. 

Last week, there were about 540 total boxes for students between the three sites that were set to distribute meals between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. -- and they were gone in less than an hour.  

"I came last week at 12 o clock," Alexis said, "and they were nowhere to be found."

That's why Terina Edington with JCPS Nutrition Services said the district doubled the number of boxes this week to serve more families.

"This week we have increased that," she said. "We have a little over 400 boxes available, so as you can see, things are going much further than we were the last time."

And Alexis is grateful for that, saying every little bit helps.

"I think this is helping everybody right now," she said. "The economy is in need, and it's not just lower class. Its lower class and middle class."

As part of the program, each family receives two boxes of food, handed out on a first come, first served basis. The boxes contain enough food for breakfasts and five lunches.

"This is perfect," said Gokce Beverly. "It's not only they are providing meals for my family but also it takes away that pressure of always thinking about 'ok what am I going to cook for them today?'"

There are two other bulk meal sites available for the weekly distribution. One is located at the Evangel World Prayer Center, and the other is located at the Pleasure Ridge Park Training Center.

All three sites will continue to distribute meals from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday. 

The bulk sites are in addition to the district's 50 walk-in or walk-up summer meal sites. All Jefferson County children under 18 are eligible for the free meals, even if they're not a JCPS student. 

"I'm very glad that they have this opportunity," Alexis said. "I feel like it's going to be helpful to a lot of people."

JCPS is also feeding children who are participating in more than 90 summer programs such as the Backpack League. Families can find a list of all the 2024 summer meal locations at www.jcps.nutrislice.com or by calling the JCPS nutrition office at 502-485-3186.

Below is a list of the bulk distribution sites where parents or guardians can pick up a box with five free breakfasts and lunches for their kids:

  • Beckley Park at the Egg Lawn (1411 Beckley Creek Parkway, Louisville, KY 40245), two parking areas down from the dog park and near the sprinkler park.
  • Evangel World Prayer Center (6900 Billtown Road, Louisville, KY 40299), close to the Gene Snyder Freeway.
  • PRP Fire Training Center (8201 Greenwood Road, Louisville, KY 40258), close to Cane Run Road.

The sites will be open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  through July 26. Parents will be able to pick up one meal box per child. There is a limit of two boxes if children are not present with a parent, and parents requesting food for more than two children will be required to have all children present.

The bulk distribution sites will continue to operate through the last Tuesday in July, while other sites will be open through July 26. 

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