Foodlink's Kids Cafe

Foodlink's Kids Cafe program was started with one goal in mind: To provide free meals and snacks to kids, and to do this at safe community locations in an effort to stomp out childhood hunger.

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"The kids are coming in after school, they're hungry, and it gives them a little snack to tide them over until they go home for dinner," said Lori Frankunas, supervisor at the Phyllis Wheatley Library.

Poor nutrition has been linked to a number of social, behavioral, and educational problems in kids.  Low energy levels, shortened attention spans, early onset of Type 2 diabetes, and childhood obesity are just some of the side effects in kids not recieving a proper diet.

The Kids Cafe currently serves over 1,500 Rochester area kids at 35 locations, including this one at the Phyllis Wheatley Library.

Kids Cafe is more than just a nutritious snack.  The food is just one in a long list of positive benefits taken from the program.

"These are in fact programs that tutor, mentor, and recreation at the very least, and the food is a supplement to all of that," said Foodlink's Tom Ferraro.

"If I've got projects at school, I come here and research them," said Dnayca Terry.

And this program works.  Kids cafe participants have reported getting better grades in school, having more energy while experiencing less fatigue, and even the increased ability to concentrate.  The presence of a friendly, helping staff also gives the kids someone to come to if they're ever in need.

"When I'm Here at the library, I can have fun sometimes and if I have a problem, Mr E. or Mr. Lorry, they like to help me with my problems," said Dnayca.

Kids Cafe, great for both body and mind.