More options available for Cuyuna Lakes Lunch Bunch

A fourth location has been added for youth to receive free nutritious lunches this summer through the Cuyuna Lakes Lunch Bunch, a program organized by area churches and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center. Pick up times have also changed slightly.

The lunches are available on weekdays starting Monday, June 6, through Friday, Sept. 2, except for Monday, July 4. They will be at the following locations:  11:15 to 11:30 a.m. in Ironton at Grandpa’s Park, located behind Mac Daddy’s Donut Garage; 11:35-11:50 a.m. at Assembly of God Church in Crosby, 604 Oak Street; 11:55 a.m.-12:10 p.m. at Cuyuna Range Food Shelf, 302 Cross Ave. in Crosby; and 12:15 to 12:30 p.m. at Deerwood American Legion, 23569 Forest Road. Volunteers preparing and distributing lunches will take all safety precautions including wearing gloves and masks.

The Cuyuna Lakes Lunch Bunch’s goal is to provide meals for students who normally receive free or reduced lunches through school programs. The lunches are prepared and distributed by several local volunteers including members of Immanuel Lutheran Church and St. Joseph Chapter of St. Vincent de Paul in Crosby; Cascade Methodist Church and Salem Lutheran Church in Deerwood; and employees of Cuyuna Regional Medical Center.

Last year, a total of 3,521 lunches were served through the program. That amount compares to 4,142 lunches in summer 2021; 4,142 lunches in 2020; 5,672 lunches in 2019; 6,164 lunches in 2018; 4,861 lunches in 2017; 4,650 in 2016; 3,820 in 2015; and 900 in 2014, the program’s first year.

For more information or to contribute to the Lunch Bunch, contact Ellen Brandt at St. Vincent de Paul, eltrbrandt@gmail.com.