Whidbey Island Nourishes recently completed its pilot year serving meals as a USDA Simplified Summer Meal Program sponsor. This summer, WIN served 1,135 nutritious lunches to youths as part of this program. In recognition of this accomplishment, WIN received a Gold Star Award from the Children’s Alliance which supports work to end childhood hunger.

WIN was also awarded a gold star for operating multiple sites for more than 40 days in summer.

“The Children’s Alliance and our End Childhood Hunger Washington partners extend our thanks to you for operating a summer meal program in your community this summer,” said Linda Stone, Food Policy Director of the Children’s Alliance.

“We know that budgets are tight and appreciate your help to ensure that all Washington kids have access to nutritious meals where they live, learn and play.

WIN joined 784 other sites throughout the state which also sponsored various summer meal programs.

The WIN board of directors extends gratitude to the volunteers, supporters and partners that made participation in the Summer Meals program possible.

WIN is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to providing nutritious, ready-to-eat meals to those in need on South Whidbey, focusing on youths. WIN also provides a backpack program for weekend meals delivered to local schools and the food bank and stocks food items at self-serve sites listed at www.whidbeyislandnourishes.org. Enrollment forms are available at local schools and Good Cheer Food Bank.

Volunteers and support are always welcome and encouraged at www.whidbeyislandnourishes.org.