Cobb EMC and its employees recently supported MUST Ministries’ Summer Lunch Program through a corporate donation and volunteer effort, resulting in the assembly of 1,000 meal kits for children in need across metro Atlanta during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.
 
More than 50 Cobb EMC employees and board members participated in the effort. Due to overwhelming interest from employees, Cobb EMC hosted two separate meal-packing events to support the program.
 
Each meal kit contains five breakfast items, five lunch items, five snacks, and 10 drink mixes. The kits are designed to help replace meals children would typically receive during the school year and provide families with additional support during the summer break.
 
“MUST Ministries’ Summer Lunch Program addresses a critical need for children and families in our community,” said Ross Dicken, Vice President of Member Relations at Cobb EMC. “Our employees are passionate about giving back, and this was a meaningful opportunity to help ensure local children have access to nutritious meals when school is out. We are proud to support an organization making such a tangible difference in the lives of families across our region.”
 
MUST Ministries partners each summer with local churches, schools, corporations and community volunteers to feed thousands of children throughout metro Atlanta. The Summer Lunch Program runs from June through July and relies on volunteers to pack meals, deliver lunches and assist with distribution efforts.
 
In addition to participating in the packing event, Cobb EMC employee Tiko Jones joined MUST Ministries on a ride-along to observe firsthand how meals are distributed throughout the community and to better understand the program’s impact on local families.
 
“Participating in the meal packing event was rewarding, but seeing the distribution process firsthand gave me an even deeper appreciation for the impact of this program. It was inspiring to witness the dedication of the volunteers and to see how something as simple as a meal can make a meaningful difference for children and families.”
 
MUST Ministries says partnerships with local organizations are vital to the program’s success and help expand its reach each summer.
 
“The support of volunteers and community partners makes this program possible,” said Dr. Ike Reighard, President & CEO of MUST Ministries. “Every meal packed and delivered helps provide stability and nourishment for children who may otherwise face food insecurity during the summer months. We are grateful for Cobb EMC’s commitment to serving our community.”
 
Community service and volunteerism remain important parts of Cobb EMC’s mission to improve the quality of life in the communities it serves. By partnering with organizations like MUST Ministries, Cobb EMC employees can make a direct and lasting impact on local children and families.