KFD’s water spray joined by summer food program

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The heat of summer is already here, and that means kids will want to stay cool. Fortunately, the Kokomo Fire Department has an answer. Each week, they conduct a water spray activity at one of the city’s parks. This summer, the kids can go home with a meal as well.

The Howard County Meal Equivalency (HoME) Food Program is following the water spray events across the city, allowing kids to eat and play until the school year rolls around again. Last week, Mohr Park was the site of the coordinated events, where more than 50 kids enjoyed an afternoon of fun.

The water spray events take place each Wednesday, with the next one happening in Bon Air Park from 1-3 p.m. The HoMe Food Program will set up from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the park. Students in K-12 can takes home a bag of groceries and grab a free lunch while they’re at it. Then, it’s time to slip and slide through the water, thanks to the fire department.

The two events move to Highland Park on June 17 and Lafayette Park on June 24, allowing neighborhoods across the city to take advantage of the meals and fun.

The HoMe Food Program also maintains sites across the community where kids can get groceries each Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Those sites include:

• Pine Valley Apartments, 300 W. Center Road
• Garden Square Apartments, 800 E. Hoffer St.
• Al Berryman Park and Splash Pad, 105 W. Elm St.
• Bon Air Park, 714 E. Fischer St.
• Mohr Park, 2302 Saratoga Ave.
• Grace Baptist Church, 2818 S. Park Road

The HoME Food Program also coordinates a site in Russiaville each Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Honey Creek Church, 250 Nashville St.

Parents are welcome to join their children at the food sites, but their presence is not required for kids to eat. Meal priority is given to children, but any food left over will be donated to parents.

For more information about the HoME Food Program, or to donate or volunteer, contact bethany.wenger@howardcountyin.gov or call 765-860-4177.

See additional photos from the water spray and food event on the Lantern’s Facebook page.