As the Fourth of July holiday nears Washington County residents can celebrate not only our country’s independence but what we can also accomplish as a community with an upcoming program.

Washington for Justice has partnered with Fareway and La Morenita Mexican Store to provide Fourth of July meal kits for families who are food insecure. One in eight children and one in 11 people in Iowa face hunger, according to Feeding America. While Washington for Justice received more donations for meal kits during their December program, Director Meredith Henderson says now is just as an important time to give, “So $25 will feed a family of four so any donation is appreciated. It’s important to remember that food insecurity is a problem all year, not just around the holidays. So that’s something that we are trying to bring attention to and we think especially after last year everybody deserves to have a fun Fourth of July and not have to worry about putting food on the table when things are still kind of tight.”

Washington for Justice is asking for monetary donations until Monday, June 28th, and meal kits will be given through deliveries and distribution at the Mills Seed Building in Washington from noon-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 30th. Volunteers are also needed to help with the distribution, and you can find more information on how to donate or volunteer, or sign up to receive a meal kit by visiting here.