By Diane M. Moore
After six years of supplying pre-packaged breakfasts and lunches during the summer months, the Washington County Public Library (WCPL) is now offering a vital food program year-round.
The Feeding the Gulf Coast initiative allows parents and other caregivers to pick up meals for the children in their care.
“During this day and time, this service is a necessity,” said Library Director Renae Rountree. “We served over 1,400 meals a week this summer. We realized just how great the need was for us to do this year-round.”
Library patrons can check out educational tablets from WCPL
Library staff have served more than 20,000 meals over the course of the past six years with no costs coming out of county coffers. A grant covers the cost of the program for now, but Rountree said the library has a critical need for donations to continue the program year-round.
Feeding the Gulf Coast is a United Way agency and a member of Feeding America which has been responding to the hunger crisis in America for more than 40 years. Feeding the Gulf Coast serves 24 counties in Alabama, Mississippi and the panhandle of Florida.
WCPL was recognized by the National Association of Counties with the 2021 Achievement Award for its feeding program, something Rountree is proud of.
“It means so much to be recognized for the work our staff puts into this program,” Rountree. “We recognized a need in our community and are actively working to bridge that gap.”
To pick meals up for your child, visit the Chipley branch of WCPL.
For those interested in donating funds towards the purchase of meals, visit www.feedingthegulfcoast.org. Click the Donate Now button, and add a comment that the donation be directed to Washington County Public Library. For more information on the feeding program call 850-638-1314.
Staff Report 
Hannah Collins