Nearly 70,000 Meals, Countless Smiles: Athenian School’s Summer Lunch Program Brings Nourishment and Hope to Utah Families

[Utah – August 2025] – On a hot June morning in Ballard, a line of cars began to form outside Athenian School. Inside each car sat children peering out the windows with excitement, waiting for the moment when volunteers would place a heavy box of food in the trunk. Each box wasn’t just a package of meals — it was peace of mind for parents, joy for children, and a promise that no one in their community would go hungry this summer.

This scene repeated itself week after week as Athenian Schools’ Summer Lunch Program grew from a modest start to a lifeline for families. Over the course of eight weeks, the program distributed 4,980 meal boxes, the equivalent of 69,720 breakfasts and lunches, across the Ballard and Richfield campuses.

A Program That Grew with the Need

At the Ballard campus, demand was so strong that the program expanded almost overnight — from just 100 boxes the first week to the maximum 400 boxes per week by week two, running out every time. Families knew they could count on Athenian for healthy, kid-friendly meals that met USDA nutrition standards.

In Richfield, the story was similar: 300 families returned each week, grateful for the 14 meals per child that gave their household breathing room. Even when numbers dipped slightly during the final week, the sense of relief and gratitude never waned.

More Than Just Food

Each box held 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches — enough to keep children nourished and parents reassured. But families said the program offered something deeper: dignity. With a safe, drive-through pickup system, parents didn’t have to worry about complicated forms or red tape. Volunteers and staff greeted them with smiles, creating an atmosphere of care and respect.

One parent shared, “It wasn’t just the food — it was knowing someone cared enough to make sure my kids were taken care of. Every week, it lifted a burden from my shoulders.”

Ashley Smith, Food Services Director at Athenian Schools, echoed this sentiment: “Our goal was never just to fill boxes — it was to fill hearts and homes with a sense of stability. Every meal we prepared was made with care, because we knew behind each box was a child depending on us.”

Powered by Community Spirit

Behind the scenes were the local staff and volunteers who made the program possible. From packing the boxes to braving the summer heat in parking lots, they became the backbone of an effort that turned ordinary school campuses into community hubs of hope.

Their dedication caught national attention. Athenian was awarded a $7,000 grant from No Kid Hungry to expand capacity with refrigerators and marketing support. And because of the program’s success, Athenian has been invited to Washington, D.C. in January to share its story with other leaders pioneering non-congregate meal programs across the country.

Why It Matters

In just two months, Athenian’s Summer Lunch Program served nearly 70,000 meals — but the numbers tell only part of the story. What really mattered were the children who didn’t go to bed hungry, the parents who could breathe easier, and the community that came together to prove that compassion can be organized, practical, and powerful.

“As educators, we don’t stop caring when school doors close,” said Jared Ferguson, Superintendent of Athenian Schools. “This program is proof that schools can be more than places of learning — we can be anchors of hope for families. To see the smiles on children’s faces when they received their weekly meals was a reminder of why we do this work.”

About Athenian Schools

Athenian Schools is a tuition-free public charter school serving students across Utah with a focus on innovative, flexible education. Beyond academics, Athenian is committed to strengthening communities through programs like the Summer Lunch Program that meet the holistic needs of children and families.