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The Howard County Meal Equivalency Program — HoME — recently completed its first month of providing meals to area residents, and in just four weeks the effort produced more than 10,000 meals.

According to Bethany Wenger, Public Health Projects Manager for the Howard County Department of Health, volunteers packed more than 1,000 bags of groceries from June 3-24, with each bag containing eight meals and three snacks. Bags are distributed across the community at designated locations on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Additionally, more than 1,500 hot meals were served at the distribution sites and alongside the Kokomo Fire Department’s Spray ‘n’ Play water events.

“During the first four weeks of the program, this team has distributed more than 10,000 meals to community members,” Wenger exclaimed. “Thank you to all of our partners and volunteers for their dedication to keeping this community fed.

“We have four more weeks to go. Knowing that some of the school lunch programs end after June, we may see an increased need for food throughout July.”

The HoME program resumes today, July 1, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at locations listed on the accompanying flyer, as well as with the Spray ‘n’ Play at Garden Square Apartments from 1-3 p.m. Russiaville distribution takes place on Thursdays as listed on the flyer.

By the numbers, June 3–24:

• 1,022 bags packed
• 969 bags distributed to program attendees
• 8,721 meals distributed in bags (each bag contains five breakfasts, three lunches, one dinner, and three snacks)
• 1,513 hot meals served (979 children; 516 adults)