'It's not easy': Woman raising 3 grandchildren relies on LCCM's noon meal

When “Lisa” was a young mother 25 years ago, she relied on Lebanon County Christian Ministries’ free noon meal program to feed her family.

She has used LCCM’s services off and on over the years and found herself in need again when she gained temporary guardianship of her three young grandchildren after the sudden passing of the children’s mother in December.

“It’s not easy,” she said.
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With seven people now living in her small row home, the family has been trying to survive on her husband’s income and daughter’s unemployment. 

“I used to clean houses, but during the pandemic I was getting less and less,” she said.

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“Lisa” was in the process of trying to obtain other employment when she suddenly found herself caring for her grandchildren full time.

The family relies on the free noon meal program multiple times a week to ensure everyone has a nutritious, filling meal.

Her family is one of many who rely on the free noon meal program each day. Since the 1980s, LCCM has provided a daily meal to anyone in the community who needs one.

Prior to the pandemic, LCCM served between 70 to 130 meals daily. Over the last year, LCCM now serves between 160 to over 200 meals daily. In just the last six months, LCCM has served 30,000 meals.

In addition to the meal, they also received an emergency food order after falling behind on bills. LCCM’s emergency food order provides families and individuals in need with at least a 2-week supply of groceries for their household.
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“They gave so much; it’s more than enough and was thinking of giving some to help others out as well,” she said. "What (LCCM) does is just amazing. I’ve lived here all my life. LCCM helps people and needy families.”