Greater Chicago Food Depository 'fresh truck' connects families with produce

CHICAGO (WLS) -- More children are at risk of missing meals during the summer when they no longer get free and reduced-priced lunches at school. Now, the Greater Chicago Food Depository is getting the word out about where kids can get free meals this summer, plus extra food to help feed their families.

Students at the Miguel A. Barreto Boys & Girls Club wait patiently for their turn to board the Greater Chicago Food Depository's new "fresh" truck.

"The fresh truck is the newest addition to the Greater Chicago Food Depository fleet. It's like a walk-through produce market on wheels that we're going to connect with our Kids Caf programs like the one right here at Miguel Barreto Boys & Girls Club. That way children are in a place where they are getting a nutritious meal, and can also get fresh fruits and vegetables to take home," said Jim Conwell, Greater Chicago Food Depository.

The food depository has more than 100 summer meals sites for children. Administrators say the produce packed "to go" will also make a big difference for struggling families.

"There's a lot of kids here now that come. They're in the program, but they just come to eat and then they'll leave," said Josephine Bridges, Miguel A. Barreto Boys & Girls Club. "Their parents probably work late or they're probably just going home to no food. And in this neighborhood it's very real. Parents don't got money."

Parents hope for a secondary benefit. Since the children are doing the shopping, perhaps they will be more likely to choose healthy foods at home.

"It will help us a lot. I'm encouraging them because a lot of diabetes, cancer, all this. We need to start eating fresh fruits and vegetables, not canned," said Myita Cruz, grandmother.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository's 29th annual 5K hunger walk kicks off Saturday morning at Soldier Field and it's not too late to sign up. Money raised will benefit pantries, soup kitchens and the fresh truck.

For more details or to find out locations for summer meals, click here.