Summer food program provides nourishment for rural kids

Children living in rural communities are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity and hunger. Seeing that need in their own community of Stevens County, Washington, the Chewelah Faith Resources Group started the TASTY Kids Summer Program. 

Founded in 2014, the volunteer-run program has gone from feeding 25 kids in its first year to serving 175 families throughout the summer. Children look forward to a large box of nutritious food each week, lovingly packed by volunteers who also shopped for healthy, kid-friendly food. 

“I feel that we are doing the Lord’s work,” said Chuck Vokoun, a program founder. “A family told us that they make decisions every week – between paying the utilities or buying gas for the car. Sometimes the decision is between utilities and food for the family. That’s why we are doing this.” 

In addition to support from Providence, an area grocery chain provides a discount on the food, which helps TASTY Kids Summer Program stretch their resources even further to help more children. 

Kids also receive a $5 voucher to use at the local farmer’s market for fresh produce. 

“Families have told us this is the first time their kids have had whole wheat bread or even fresh fruit,” said Sherry Vokoun, Chuck’s wife and a former chaplain for Providence Stevens County ministries. 

Thanks to the TASTY Kids Summer Program, children have nutritious meals to help them enjoy their summer.