Lexington-Richland 5 truck offers ‘meals on wheels’ for kids in need

Lexington-Richland 5 officials hit the road Monday with the elementary school equivalent of Meals on Wheels.

A new food truck delivered lunch to 90 students in need at two apartment complexes in the Irmo area.

“It assures they get lunch when I don’t have anything,” said Vitesha Scott, mother of two youngsters at Irmo Village.

The meals, paid for by federal aid, are part of a summer program designed to feed students in need when school is out of session. Students up to 18 who qualify for free or reduced price meals during the academic year qualify for them in summer.

Most Midlands area schools provide free summer meals at facilities in the community.

But Lexington-Richland 5 is among the first in South Carolina to offer mobile delivery of such summer meals.

Area businesses donated $30,000 to convert a former mail truck into a mobile kitchen that keeps food cooked in cafeterias cool or warm as needed.

The truck started making rounds after its equipment was tested for three weeks this spring while stationed at four nearby high schools.

Todd Bedenbaugh, Lexington-Richland 5 student nutrition director, decided the mobile food truck delivery fad popular with adults and teens would work as well for youngsters whose parents lack transportation.

Lining up at the truck’s window for a meal “gives the kids a little something different,” he said. His goal is to serve six sites eventually with the truck.

The meals adhere to federal guidelines. “It brightens up my day knowing that my kids get a nutritious meal just by crossing the street,” Latasha Martin said.

Switching to the truck allows meals replacing sandwiches and snacks formerly dropped off at the complex’s community center.

Adjoining tables gave children a quick lessons on cleaning hands and on getting exercise through games offering a T-shirt and other small prizes.

The service was an instant hit with families fed tacos, chips and juice spritzers Monday.

“It’s like the ice cream truck without music,” mother Danita Haynes said.

This story was originally published June 29, 2015 at 5:45 PM with the headline "Lexington-Richland 5 truck offers ‘meals on wheels’ for kids in need."