Pharr UMC serves daily lunches for low-income kids during summer

God was at work in Pharr during the summer as members of Pharr UMC offered free hot lunches Monday through Friday to any child 18 and younger.
Nearly 50 children were served each day. Many families were daily participants. Others brought their children occasionally.
A nearby church, Iglesia Cristiana Alianza, was invited to bring its Vacation Bible School children to lunch, and Pharr United Methodists helped transport the children between churches.
More than 95 percent of the children in the border community are eligible for free meals at school because of low incomes. As a result, the 136-member United Methodist congregation saw a need for food assistance during months when schools were closed.
Meals served by the church met both nutritional guidelines and children’s preferences. Menus also introduced unfamiliar foods.
“Working in this ministry has brought members together who otherwise would have no common bond outside worship, has crossed personality and language barriers and has changed hearts,” said Carole Lahti, director of the summer food ministry.
“I see God at work in the people who have generously volunteered their time and love, in the mothers who bring their children, in the beautiful children we serve and in fostering cooperation with other churches. There is no doubt in my mind that God is present and working right here. We will definitely continue and expand this ministry next summer.”
The summer food program is funded by Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and member contributions.
Pharr UMC offers food assistance to families year-round through a food pantry, serving some 80 families each week.