RUSHVILLE, ILL. -- The Schuyler County Starburst 4-H Club Chow for Children food program is a growing community success.

The 6 member 4-H club has been feeding children and their families since the first Friday in June. Club members knew of kids who didn't eat much during the summer months so they wanted to do a food program under the Citizenshhip 2 4-H project. Each Friday, a healthy meal is provided to children and their families, a few of the elderly, and a cancer patient.

Our numbers have consistenly grown each week. The first week we fed 73 people, June 10: 95, June 17:125, June 24: 176 and July 1: 153.It takes approx. 20-24 volunteers each week and we deliver a large amount of meals on 4 routes as many kids can't leave their homes for various reasons. We have approx. 40-50 that come in to eat at the church.

Different churches and organizations have stepped up to help provide some of the meals. Organizations that help with our meals include: Church of Christ - Disciples, Crystal Clovers 4-H Club, Church of Christ - Christian, RIHS Football players and  Boy Scout Troop #35.

The program goes through Aug. 19th.

There is no junk food, potato chips, cookies, desserts or lemonade and kids only get milk or water for the drink. We deliver 1/2 pints and some families get a gallon of milk with the meals. We felt it was important that each week we have fresh fruit as it is expensive and kids may not have the opportunity to get it.

We've had watermelon, fresh pineapple, kiwi, mangos, apples, grapes, strawberries and bananas. Members cut up all of the fruit ahead of time and put it in baggies for the deliveries. This week it will take 4 watermelons, 5 lbs of strawberries and 3-4 lbs of grapes, 60 1/2 pints and 8 gallons of milk. The club also puts together cereal snack bags for the kids. The bags consist of cheeries, gold fish, pretezls, granola, chex cereal, etc. No nuts.

With 20-24 volunteers each week, this is a community project and the Starburst 4-H Club is grateful for the help and donations.

The Starburst 4-H club won a blue ribbon, state fair delegate and the family/home trophy at the Schuyler County 4-H fair.