BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — School's out for the summer which means some students’ food source is no longer available. But programs like Warren County Public School’s Summer Feeding Program is keeping kids 18 and under fed.  

At Jennings Creek Elementary School, Katie Clark is the kitchen manager behind many hot meals, something she felt pulled to do to help students in need.

“Being able to provide for the kids who don’t have food at home makes your heart happy and makes you grateful for what you have at home and I’m just thankful to be able to do it,” Clark said. 

Her passion for cooking was passed on from her family. And now she is able to use her skills to help feed the community. 

“It is important for all of our kids to eat during the summer. We want them fed just like during the school year. It’s important for their nutrition for them to grow. They need all of their fruits and vegetable and sometimes that is hard to get depending on where you’re at,” she explained.

Even though Clark says the school is seeing high food prices, they haven’t seen a notable increase in the amount of people they serve. And no matter the prices, Clark is dedicated to keep feeding the kids. 

“Our order per week definitely went up, but it hasn’t stopped us feeding the kids or wanting to feed the kids to make sure they have a nutritious breakfast and lunch,” she said.

Despite challenges, she says things are improving. 

“It is getting better. We did go through some supply issues, and we are noticing that is getting better with time and more vendors are able to fund more items for us,” Clark said.

Any child can receive a free meal at any school in the Warren County public school system. Breakfast and lunch are provided until July 13.