Pequea Valley School District (PVSD) and the Factory Ministries have once again partnered to bring the summer "Lunch and Learn" program to local families this summer.

The program, held every Wednesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Paradise Community Park, 6 London Vale Road, Gordonville, will run from Wednesday, June 17, through Wednesday, July 29. The program will provide free lunch to all PVSD children who attend while providing them the opportunity to take part in group games, STEM activities, crafts, gross motor activities, reading enrichment and more.

"We always have the pavilions set up with different activities," said Lisa Eckert, director of early learning at Pequea Valley. "We have enrichment activities, we have crafts, games, free books. And then right before we finish up at 11:30, we serve lunch to all of the kiddos that are there, and then some of them will eat lunch there, and then others will take it and go."

This summer will be the fifth iteration of the program, which serves mostly elementary-age children. Any PVSD resident under the age of 18 may participate in the program; caregivers must attend with all children.

"Our main goal is making sure that all families in the district have everything they need," Eckert said. "If we know a family might need some additional resources, we're connecting with them at the park."

Pequea Valley's goal with the program aligns nicely with the Factory's mission, which is addressing poverty and empowering those who are affected by it in eastern Lancaster County and the surrounding areas.

Located at 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, the Factory holds a variety of programs aimed at addressing poverty. It has an on-site market, which provides those in need with food that can be purchased with Factory Bucks, which can be earned through attending Factory-based programs.

"One of the big things we like to do is have Factory advocates come by during the Lunch and Learns and be available to kind of connect with families," Eckert said.

Eckert asks that those interested in the program register ahead of time so that organizers can best prepare lunch and activities. To register, search for "PV Building Braves" on Facebook and sign up via the Google Form.

Lunch usually consists of a sandwich, fruit and snack, Eckert said.

Throughout the summer, PVSD also brings in different guests during the Lunch and Learns. The Intercourse Library and different fire departments have attended in the past.

The district will also host a Back-to-School Supply Shop on Wednesday, Aug. 12. Contact the district office at 717-768-5530 for more information on how to make a donation.