ASHFORD, Ala. — What began as a setback for Ashford’s summer feeding program has turned into a story of community support.
According to organizers, the summer feeding program in Ashford was denied funding from the State of Alabama. After learning the program would not receive state funding, Align Networks Director Stephanie Harden reached out to the community for help.
That call for support was answered by Husainali Meghani, who accepted the challenge. Through Alabama Clinics and A7X of Dothan, the two organizations have funded the entire program for the remainder of the summer, ensuring children in the Ashford area will continue to receive meals.
Vivian Brown Gordan, director of Community Caring Hands Foundation Inc., will oversee the summer feeding program.
“Thanks for stepping up and making it possible to feed the children in Ashford, Ala., for the rest of the summer,” Gordan said.
According to Community Caring Hands Foundation Inc., the program begins Tuesday, July 7, and will provide free lunches for children and teens from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout July.
Meal distribution will take place at Mary’s Sandwich Shop, 309 Midland Street in Ashford, which will serve as the meal distribution site.
The program offers:
Free lunches for children and teens.
Multiple days of meals available for pickup at each distribution.
Children, teens and guardians may pick up meals to go.
The program is sponsored by Alabama Clinics Dothan, A7X of Dothan, and No Kid Hungry, with Community Caring Hands Foundation Inc. coordinating the local effort.
The community-funded initiative ensures children in Ashford will continue to have access to nutritious meals for the rest of the summer despite the loss of state funding.
