BLUEFIELD, W. Va. (WVVA) -School is out for summer break in Mercer County. However, for some students, a summer break may not mean fun, but instead, food insecurity.
This prompted the creation of Mercer County Schools’ no-cost, kids-only, food truck: MCS Express. This year, however, they have a partner in their mission, thanks to the City of Bluefield.
“We needed like Kathrn to really tie in some great community partners, first responders, and different folks that could really bring something fun for our kids while they’re out of school,” says Krista Kessinger, director of child nutrition for Mercer County Schools.
“We want to make it a day. We want kids to come out and have fun, connect with resources, also take home some shelf-stable food at the end of this,” says Kathrn Kandas, grants project manager for the City of Bluefield.
The City helped to bring out the organizations wanting to help, as well as first responders wanting to connect with their community.
“…a lot of kids may view first responders just as… someone that they see in passing or maybe see on their parents’ worst day. Today, we’re going to view first responders as resources. They’re fun, they live in the community, they want to know the kids, they want to be available to them, so this is a great way for them to meet them, as well as meet the K-9s,” says Kandas.
The food truck program aims to fill kids’ bellies while feeding their minds with valuable summer resources.
“Well, I think it helps keep kids connected to Mercer County Schools throughout the summer as well as they can learn about new resources, learn about new events, meet the first responders. It’s just a really good continuation of the school year,” says Kandas.
“We’re a community. Mercer County is a community, and we want to work together so our kids have the best summer ever, and… we’re wanting to kick start it. This is our little kickstart to summer and doing what we can for the kids,” says Kessinger.
But they have more planned in the coming weeks, with other partners saying they want to be a part as well. If you would like to set up at future stops of the MCS Express, you can contact Kandas and Kessinger at their respective offices.
Monday was just the first day of this program with different stops and menu items planned throughout June until June 27th. You can find a full list of locations on the Mercer County Schools’ and City of Bluefield’s Facebook pages.
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