Salvation Army steps up to fill summer void

School is out…And so the Salvation Army has stepped up to bring an "old idea" to children at three Fargo school neighborhoods, where half the children during the school year, receive free/reduced meals.

Right next to Madison School in North Fargo today, Leah Rosenow and Kimberly Wagner of Salvation Army prepared for a picnic. Every day this summer, the Salvation Army is serving up a noon meal to children living in the Madison, McCormick and McKinley neighborhoods.

“We have roast beef sandwiches and green beans. Carrots.“

Amanda Wanner brought her three brothers today. A hot meal on a rainy day.

A lot people think Fargo Moorhead doesn't have an issue like this, but over 5000 kids in our community receive free or reduced meals in the Fargo school district. The Salvation Army calls this MOM: Mobile Outreach Meals.

Tai Leathers – Salvation Army: “There is a lot of need out there and during the summer they may not be able to get that sam adequate nutrition.

Most of the children who came today live near and attend Madison. This program is perfect for them. Parents may be working or out of the home during lunch. This insures they eat well even when school is out.

Suada Musa – Madison Student: “If you do not have food at home or your parents are busy you can come here and have a good lunch.”

We often think of floods and fires when Salvation Army rolls up. Now the longtime charity is making sure tummies are full during out sultry summer days.

Musa: “You will get skinny if you don't eat.”

The noon feeding project is in conjunction with the USDA Summer Food Service Program. Dakota Medical Foundation is also assisting in helping fund it.

Tags: kevin wallevand, salvation army, k-12 education, news, reporters, charity, fargo