Group hits the road with books and food for kids during summer break

GLASGOW Ky.- Books, food and a bus full of people ready to lend a helping hand, the Barren County Reads and Feeds bus hit the road.

The bus travels to neighborhoods to serve meals to kids under 18 Monday through Friday during the summer, in addition to having them pick out books that are read to them.

“It’s a good program. They come at a certain time every day. They’re reliable. The kids love the food. It’s a very, very good program, and I love the people that work there. They’re so nice,” said Glasgow resident Charlene Graves.

Reads and Feeds gets a lot of volunteer help, and they were joined today by some of the youth group of First Christian Church of Glasgow.

“We’re lucky enough to actually have food and some people don’t get that. Just knowing that I can be a giver and provide for other people is really special to me,” said youth group member Emma Pack.

Barren County director of food and nutrition services CheyAnne Fant said it’s uplifting to see the smiles of the kids, and to see the volunteers spending time with them.

“It’s kind of heartbreaking to see some of the things that we see, but on the other hand, it’s so heartwarming to be able to see that we’re making a difference in the lives of the people who volunteer on our bus, and the people who come get a meal from us,” Fant said.

While the kids are affected in a big way, so is Barren County cafeteria manager Angie Riddle, who said the same thing brings her out time and time again.

“The same thing that brings me out every day. The kids in general. Just the kids,” Riddle said through tears.