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Wyoming Valley West’s L.J. Wesneski playing in Big 33 Football Classic

WILKES-BARRE &#8212; Last summer, Carol Hussa remembers, a 13-year-old girl walked a mile or so to the YMCA from Sherman Hills just about every day, and two boys rode their bicycles from the Miners Mills section of the city.The youngsters were among about 250 children who regularly visited city playgrounds or the YMCA, for free lunches and snacks as part of the Food-n-Fun at the Park Project.&#8220;This year we&#8217;d like to serve more, especially at the parks,&#8221; Hussa said. &#8220;This really helps economically challenged families because a lot of these kids depend on the free meals at schools and, when summer hits, their families might have to find an extra $300 to fill in the food gap.&#8221;Starting June 20, Food-n-Fun at the Park will offer crafts and games from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at Coal Street Park, Iron Triangle Playground on Hickory Street, Frances Slocum Park on Pennsylvania Boulevard, Huber Park on Stanton Street, Parsons Park on Scott Street and at the YMCA, 40 W. Northampton St. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a snack available at 1 p.m.School-age children and teens can stay for the entire four hours, or just come for the lunch and snack, Hussa said. Pre-school age children are welcome to receive the free snacks and lunches but must be accompanied by an adult or caregiver age 16 or older.The food is provided by the Commission on Economic Opportunity, which also will deliver lunches to Heights/Murray and Dodson Elementary Schools, the Mineral Springs House Development and the south branch of the Osterhout Library. For a complete list see <a href="http://tlgets.me/jmf" target="_blank">tlgets.me/jmf</a>.The Food-n-Fun program is sponsored by the YMCA, in conjunction with the CEO and the City of Wilkes-Barre, and is designed to &#8220;help kids stay well-nourished, active and energized.&#8221;Park Counselors, hired by Wilkes-Barre, will supervise the daily activities and food service in the parks, where activities will include reading, nutrition education, anti-bullying, diversity exploration and summer safety.On Thursdays in July, participating children will have a chance to make and taste a simple recipe using a fresh vegetable. Each child will be given a bag of the featured &#8220;Tasty Thursday&#8221; vegetable to take home to share with their family, along with nutrition information and a recipe.To donate, volunteer or learn more about the Food-n-Fun @ the Park Program, visit wbymca.org or call the Wilkes-Barre YMCA at 570-823-2191 or CEO at 570-826-0510.<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta>By Mary Therese Biebelmbiebel@www.timesleader.com</bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta>Reach Mary Therese Biebel at 570-991-6109 or on Twitter @BiebelMT</shirttailMeta></div>

Wilkes-Barre parks, YMCA to offer free lunches for kids