Lisbon Food and Fun Program

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

The Howard County Lisbon Food and Fun program was created to support families struggling with self-sufficiency in rural western Howard County during the summer. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the program had to be altered and all in person elements of the program were eliminated and changed to a drive thru program. The program operated every Thursday evening for eight weeks during the summer at the Lisbon United Methodist Church. Families participating in the program received a ready to eat hot meal, a Roving Radish Meal Kit, Weekend Warrior Snack Packs for each child in the family, a family friendly STEAM activity, infant care items (diapers, baby food) and information on resources available to them. The program’s goal was not only to support these family’s with essential household resources but to engage the community to better understand their needs, promote healthy eating habits, encourage family engagement and make them aware of resources available to them. The program was a joint effort of the Local Children’s Board, Department of Community Resources, Office of Community Sustainability, The Howard County Library System, Howard County Public School System and Lisbon United Methodist Church. The Howard County Lisbon Food and Fun program was a success in its first year serving 25 families and 77 children.