Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County still giving meals to kids in need, despite closures

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Although coronavirus precautions caused its four clubs to close, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is still providing free meals to children in need.

Starting immediately, the nonprofit is launching a food relief effort to "minimize the stress and uncertainty affecting the vulnerable populations that comprise the bulk of its membership," according to a press release.

“Right now, there’s a shared sense of anxiousness about how the coronavirus impacts and response will continue interrupting daily life,” said Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. “But when you live with hunger and uncertainty about where your next meal is coming from, the anxiousness never goes away. Sadly, that’s a reality for many of our members. They depend on the clubs for meals, and we’re not going to let them down—even and especially during this difficult situation.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County will provide free meals to children under 18—whether they are club members or not—now through Sunday, March 22. Meals are available for pick up at the four club locations:

• Cloe-Clark Club, 11500 SE Lares Ave. in Hobe Sound
• Bill & Barbara Whitman Club, 17375 SW Palm Beach St. in Indiantown
• H. Wayne Huizenga Club, 1150 SW Martin Downs Blvd. in Palm City
• John & Marge Bolton Club, 4731 SE Flounder Ave. in Stuart

The meals will include dinner and a snack, according to the press release. The meals can be picked up drive-through style outside the clubs from 4 to 7 p.m. through Friday. Those receiving can accept the meals, regardless if they arrive on foot, by bike or by car.

The Martin County School District’s Food & Nutrition Services Department is also opening its Summer Meals Program, starting Mar. 23 through Mar. 27, according to the press release. The department will be serving breakfast and lunch to children under age 18 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Locations include:

• J.D. Parker Rockets, 1010 E. 10th St. in Stuart
• Port Salerno Elementary School, 3260 SE Lionel Terrace in Stuart
• Warfield Elementary School, 15260 SW 150th Street in Indiantown

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For people needing additional assistance, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County recommends contacting any of its nonprofit partners—House of Hope, The Salvation Army, Love and Hope in Action (LAHIA), Meals on Wheels, the Treasure Coast Food Bank or by dialing 211.