Kids Cafe Brings Free Meals to Children During Winter Break

Shannon Lambert chooses to spend the majority of her time helping kids. 

"I've been doing this for quite a while because it's not something I would not want to do during my break. It's just amazing to see the kids grow. And feeding them," said Lambert. 

She's been a cook for the Kids Cafe for about five years now. The program serves people from the ages of one to 18 Monday through Friday both in the morning at 8:30 and at noon for lunch.  

"A lot of students in Washoe County rely on free or reduced lunch during the school year. So it's important that they do not miss meals during the break," said Jocelyn Lantrip of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. 

The meals are similar to what they get at school too. Shannon loves seeing their faces light up.

"Especially if it's nugget day or they know what they like and the breakfast they really do appreciate it. I do see it in their faces," said Lambert. 

Childhood hunger is a big deal in the Truckee Meadows. 

"About one in four children don't know where their next meal is coming from. About 47% of Washoe County School kids qualify for free or reduced school lunch," said Lantrip. 

Which is higher than the national average. The meal they'll get at the cafe is well balanced with protein and vegetables. The Evelyn Mount Community Center is just one of three sites to chose from.

"It's growing in popularity. We add sites every year and try to see where we need sites and where gaps might be and where children might be in need a little bit more," added Lantrip.

Besides the Evelyn Mount Community Center, the Neil Road Recreational Center and Lemmon Valley Boys and Girls Club at the Joe Mitchell Center will also be open for Kids Cafe over the next couple of weeks. The cafe goes until January 6th but will be closed both on December 26th and January 2nd.