Kids Kupboard hits the ground running this summer

Kids Kupboard has switched to its summer schedule and they've had a particularly busy start to the season.

"Our numbers are through the roof," Kids Kupboard Executive Director Lynette Ortolano said. "We started right out the gate this summer."

Kids Kupboard is a non profit meal distribution program that serves meals to children across the state.

Ortolano said they typically serve over 2,000 meals a day when summer is in full swing and it appears it won't take long to get to that point this season. She said it's all about providing fresh, healthy meals to children across the Mat-Su.

"That's what we're there for," Ortolano said.

Ortolano said this will be their second summer without relying on federal funding and she's feeling optimistic about having another good season without it. She said they've been able to sustain themselves and expand food options thanks to the lack of federal restraints.

"We did amazing," Ortolano said. "The kids are getting far better meals."

Ortolano said another perk to breaking free from federal constraints has been the ability to expand to previously unavailable locations such as the new site they established near the Palmer Museum of History and Art. She said that site has become a very popular spot and they're thrilled to have the opportunity to serve more children seeking meals this summer.

Kids Kupboard currently has many sites across the Mat-Su Valley along with additional locations and mobile programs statewide. Ortolano said it's been a very productive journey growing their grassroots operation over the last eight years.

"I feel like we've found our footing and the community is invested. It doesn't get much better than that," Ortolano said.

Ortolano credited the various longtime staff members and volunteers along with the ever growing network of support from the general public for reaching this point in this mission to feed as many children as they can.

"It has never felt like I'm doing this by myself," Ortolano said. "This has been a community effort from the get to and it continues to be."

June will be jam packed with Kids Kupboard events such as the first annual KidStockAK family friendly music festival at the Alaska State Fairgrounds Saturday, June 3.

"It's going to be a great event," Ortolano said.

Another new annual event, the Fish4Kids fishing derby, will take place in Seward June 3 through June 12. Ortolano said that Steelhead Realty is hosting the fundraising event, and it will be a great opportunity for families looking for a fun summer activity.

"That's going to be lots of fun," Ortolano said.

The annual Battle of the Businesses fundraising event will be held at the Snider Memorial Park June 23.

Ortolano said they also plan to return to Colony Days to hold the Festival of Flowers to hold a raffle for flower arrangements and hanging baskets at the Palmer Train Depot June 11 and June 12.

"We're way excited," Ortolano said.

For more information, visit kidskupboard.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com