Blackwell Public Library Expands Summer Meal Box Program to Serve More Families

The Blackwell Public Library has announced a major expansion of its Summer Meal Box Program, doubling the number of food boxes available to local children and families beginning later this month.

Library officials announced that starting Wednesday, June 24, the program will increase from 100 meal boxes per week to 200 meal boxes per week through the remainder of the program, which runs through July 29.

The expansion is made possible through continued partnerships with Hunger Free Oklahoma and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

The program will continue as scheduled on June 17 with 100 meal boxes available for pickup between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Beginning June 24, pickup hours will be extended from 10:30 a.m. until noon to accommodate the increased distribution.

The free meal boxes are available to children and teens ages 18 and younger, with one box provided per child. Each box contains a week's worth of shelf-stable meals designed to help supplement nutrition during the summer months when school is not in session.

Distribution takes place through a drive-thru system in the alley between the Blackwell Public Library and the Top of Oklahoma Historical Society Museum. Parents and guardians are asked to line up along First Street, turn onto Padon Avenue, and enter the alley for pickup.

A parent or guardian must be present to receive meal boxes, although children do not need to be in the vehicle.

Meal boxes are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Library officials expressed gratitude to Hunger Free Oklahoma and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma for helping provide the resource to local families and ensuring more children have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer.

The Blackwell Public Library is located at 123 W. Padon Ave. For additional information about the Summer Meal Box Program, contact the library at 580-363-1809.