Community Kitchen of Republic

PB&J Summer Program Details

The PB&J Summer Sack Lunch Program is one of Community Kitchen of Republic’s largest outreach efforts, created to help bridge the gap for children and teens during the summer months when school meals are unavailable. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the summer, volunteers distribute free grab-and-go sack lunches directly into neighborhoods across Republic — no registration, paperwork, or questions asked.

Each sack lunch includes a sandwich, snacks, and a drink, with nut-free and cheese sandwich options available for families with allergies. In addition to individual lunches, family-sized meal bags are also distributed to households facing deeper food insecurity.

What started as a small summer effort has grown into a community-wide mission powered entirely by volunteers, local businesses, churches, and generous donors. Since 2022, the program has served thousands of meals to local children and families, ensuring that no child in our community goes without a simple meal and a reminder that they are cared for.

There are many ways to help support the PB&J Mission:

Volunteer to help make sandwiches or distribute lunches
Donate snacks, drinks, or other lunch items
Sponsor the program financially
Organize a workplace or church donation drive
Help spread awareness in the community

Every sandwich made, every dollar donated, and every volunteer hour directly impacts children and families right here in Republic. Together, we are feeding our community one lunch at a time.

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PB&J Volunteer Opportunities

The PB&J Summer Sack Lunch Program is completely volunteer-driven, and there are several ways you can get involved in helping feed local children and families throughout the summer.

PBJ Sandwich Making Days

Volunteers help prepare large quantities of peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and cheese sandwiches that will be distributed throughout the program. These are fast-paced, high-energy prep days where many hands make a huge impact. Volunteers may help with assembling sandwiches, packaging, organizing supplies, and preparing for distribution days.

Distribution

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the summer, volunteer teams deliver and hand out free sack lunches at designated locations throughout Republic. Volunteers help load coolers and lunches, travel to assigned stops, and distribute meals directly to children and families in the community.

Donation & Supply Support

Volunteers and supporters can also help by donating snacks, drinks, lunch supplies, or helping organize donation drives through businesses, churches, schools, and community groups.