When School’s Out, Hunger Shouldn’t Be In
For many students in the Edwardsville School District #7, free and reduced-price school meals are their primary (and often, only) source of food throughout the academic year - but when summer arrives, those meals disappear - and with them, a reliable source of food.
That’s where Brown Bag Buddies (BBB) comes in.
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Brown Bag Buddies is a Glen-Ed Pantry program that provides nutritious breakfast and lunch meals to children in the Edwardsville School District who would otherwise go without during the summer months. Each week, families receive bags filled with rotating, balanced meals—ensuring kids get the fuel they need to grow, play, and thrive.
This isn’t just about food. It’s about fighting childhood hunger, one meal at a time.
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Every summer, we hear the same thing:
“We wouldn’t make it through summer without you.”
This program makes a real, tangible difference. Without it, many children in our own community would simply go hungry. Brown Bag Buddies ensures that no child is left wondering where their next meal is coming from while school is out. Please consider making a donation to the BBB fund to help us continue this important work.
About our Summer Lunch Program
When: Mondays
June 2 – August 18, 2025
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Where: Pick-ups are in three convenient locations, please go to the NEAREST pick-up location to you to help us distribute quicker.
Glen-Ed Pantry, Hamel Elementary School, University Flatts
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Who is eligible: Kids ages 0–18 in Edwardsville School District #7
What’s Included: 5 balanced breakfasts, 5 healthy lunches, and additional nutritious snacks. Our food selections are thoughtful and nutritious, rotating regularly to ensure variety and balance.
We prioritize kid-friendly meals that meet health standards—because all kids deserve real meals, not just snacks
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Additional Info: Drive-through pickup only; please have children in the car when possible
No rainchecks or alternate pickup days
Who we are
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A Purpose.
With humble beginnings at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Edwardsville, Brown Bag Buddies - Formerly known as SAK (Serving Area Kids) - started over 14 years ago to meet a need within our communities.
After dissolution of the organization, various local branches pledged to carry the torch behind such an important charge.
Thus, Brown Bag Buddies was born.
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A Vision.
Our belief is that every child should have consistent access to healthy food regardless of their circumstance. Many lose a primary source of essential nutrients when schools are not in session.
U.S. Department of Agriculture data from 2023 shows 1 in 5 children living without access to nutritious food.
Brown Bag Buddies has served a growing number of families since its inception. We're projecting to serve 10,000 lunches this year!
Impact in 2024:- Over 8,255 meals served
- Reached 165–185 kids per week
- Operated on a $38,000 budget -
A Network.
We partner with local businesses and organizations to support our growth and provide for our ever-expanding need base.
Thanks to partnership and donations as well as volunteer support, we come together each year to facilitate wellness in our community.
Our efforts ensure the healthy development of generations of future community members.