One of the nation’s largest free meal service programs for kids at risk of hunger has opened a new facility in Waterloo. Northeast Iowa Food Bank Executive Director Barbara Prather says they partner with community agencies and national sponsors. The new operation is in the Salvation Army building. She says they provide a meal where there’s already and afterschool program. She says the Salvation Army in Waterloo has 50 or 60 kids they can provide a meal that they normally may not get. Salvation Army Captain Jerry O’Neil says the kids get more than just a meal.He says it’s a, “Phenomenal time of fellowship. It’s a time of education, a time of learning, a time of expectation.” He says the kids help set up and clean up the tables. O’Neil says the kids are encouraged to spend time at the facility interacting with others. He says it creates a desire for fellowship and family, rather than sitting in front of the t-v. He says they have a lot of activities to keep the kids busy. The newest Kids Cafe is one of four in Waterloo. Records show more than 54-percent of children in the Waterloo School District live at or below the poverty level.
