The program is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, marking a quarter century of ensuring children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months. The initiative began after the closure of Northwestern Steel and Wire, when community leaders recognized that many children would lose access to school meals during summer break.
Since then, the program has grown significantly. Over the past four years alone, participation has increased by approximately 200 percent. The rising cost of groceries, fuel prices, and changes to assistance programs have all contributed to increasing food insecurity for many local families.
To meet the demand, United Way and its partners have worked to improve logistics and efficiency. Community businesses have played a major role in those efforts, with organizations providing expertise, equipment, transportation assistance, and volunteer support.
One of the program’s biggest priorities is eliminating barriers that might prevent children from receiving food. There is no registration process, no paperwork, and no income verification required. Families simply visit one of the designated meal sites during distribution times.
This summer, the program operates at 17 locations throughout Whiteside County, including sites in Sterling, Rock Falls, Albany, Fulton, Erie, Lyndon, Morrison, Prophetstown, and Tampico. Every Wednesday from noon until 12:30 p.m., children can receive meal bags containing four lunches.
Parents or guardians can pick up meals for children who are unable to attend in person. Organizers also work to ensure additional meals are available, when possible, particularly at New Life Lutheran Church in Sterling, which serves as the program’s central packing and distribution site.
The meal bags contain four individual lunches, including one of the most popular items among children: frozen Uncrustable sandwiches. Volunteers have developed efficient packing systems to handle the growing number of meals distributed each week.
Last week alone, the program distributed approximately 4,000 meals. During the summer of 2025, the organization served 46,000 meals throughout Whiteside County, and organizers expect to exceed 50,000 meals this year.
The success of the program depends heavily on volunteers. United Way estimated it would need nearly 950 volunteer shifts filled throughout the summer. More than 800 positions have already been claimed, but additional volunteers are still needed.
Meal packing takes place on Mondays and Tuesdays, with distribution occurring on Wednesdays. Dozens of volunteers gather each week to prepare thousands of lunches for local children.
Community organizations continue to play a critical role in the effort. New Life Lutheran Church provides its gymnasium for meal packing operations, while other businesses and organizations donate supplies, transportation assistance, and materials needed to keep the program running.
Olson emphasized that the program is entirely supported by the local community rather than federal or state grants, making volunteer support and donations essential to its success.
In addition to the summer meal program, United Way is also preparing for Dolly’s Book Bash, a literacy event scheduled for June 25 at the Rock Falls Public Library. The free community event will feature activities, prizes, and opportunities to encourage reading among local children.
Information about Let’s Feed Our Children, volunteer opportunities, meal locations, and upcoming events is available through United Way of Whiteside County’s website and social media pages.
As summer continues, the program remains focused on one goal: ensuring every child in Whiteside County has access to meals while school is out and bringing the community together to make that possible.
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