Blackwell Public Library's Free Summer Meal Program Returns June 3

The Blackwell Public Library's annual Summer Meal Program returns this week, providing free weekly meal boxes to children throughout the summer months.

The program, offered in partnership with Hunger Free Oklahoma and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, will begin Wednesday, June 3, and continue every Wednesday through July 29.

Meal boxes will be distributed from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the library, located at 123 W. Padon Ave. in Blackwell.

The free program is available to all children ages 0 to 18 years old, with each child eligible to receive one meal box per week.

According to library officials, the meal boxes contain a week's worth of shelf-stable meals designed to help families bridge the gap during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.

Distribution will take place as a drive-thru pickup in the alley between the Blackwell Public Library and the Top of Oklahoma Historical Society Museum. Parents or guardians must be present to pick up meal boxes, although children do not need to be in the vehicle at the time of pickup.

Library staff emphasized that food boxes will be distributed while supplies last each week.

Blackwell Public Library Director of Operations Talyn Spence said the annual program helps ensure local children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months when school is not in session.

"One of the library's missions is to serve the needs of our community beyond books and literacy," Spence said. "For many families, summer can create additional challenges when school meals are no longer available. This program helps bridge that gap and ensures children in Blackwell have access to meals while they're enjoying their summer break."

Spence said the library is proud to partner with Hunger Free Oklahoma and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma to continue offering the program each year.

"We've seen firsthand how much this program means to local families," she said. "The response has been tremendous every summer, and we're grateful to be able to provide this service to our community."

Head Librarian Charles Gerian said the Summer Meal Program is another example of the evolving role libraries play in serving their communities.

"Today's libraries are about much more than checking out books," Gerian said. "We're a community hub. Whether it's educational programming, literacy initiatives, technology access, children's activities, or programs like this, our goal is to improve the quality of life for the people we serve."

Gerian noted that the meal program often introduces families to other services and programs available through the library.

"When families come to pick up meal boxes, they also learn about our Summer Reading Program, children's events, and other resources available at the library," he said. "It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with families and make sure they know the library is here to support them."

Library officials said the annual Summer Meal Program is just one of many community service initiatives offered throughout the year by the Blackwell Public Library, which regularly hosts educational programs, literacy events, youth activities, public computer access, community partnerships, and outreach efforts designed to benefit residents of all ages.

Weekly distributions will continue every Wednesday through July 29. Additional traffic flow and pickup instructions will be shared through the library's social media channels as needed.

For more information about the Summer Meal Program, residents may contact the Blackwell Public Library.