Community center, superintendent and council discuss options after summer meal pause warning

Gerald Corett, chair of the Paynesville Community Service Center, told the City Council during the open forum that the center is organizing a community response after notices suggested a summer feeding program that has operated for five years may not continue under the same funding path.

"This isn't a school issue, this is a community issue," Corett said, describing coordination with Superintendent Janelle Bullard and Chris O'Brien, the district's director of community education. Corett urged families to fill out education-benefit forms so federal data accurately reflects local need and to help determine eligibility for summer meal programs.

Corett said the community service center convened an emergency meeting of board members to assess summer needs, is planning further meetings this week, and is gathering volunteers and possible monetary support. He said the center aims to serve as a focal point to organize summer meal efforts if district- or federal-funded options change.

Council members asked clarifying questions but did not take formal action. Several council members and attendees thanked Corett and other nonprofit partners for stepping forward. The council noted that agencies use multiple data sources to decide program coverage and that gaps in education-benefit forms can lead agencies to make assumptions about need.

The City Council did not pass any motion related to summer feeding at the April 13 meeting. Corett said the Paynesville Community Service Center will hold another meeting to refine plans and coordinate with local nonprofits and school district staff; volunteers and funding may be requested depending on the approaches the center develops.

Next steps: the community service center plans further internal meetings; the council may be asked to consider formal support or referrals to staff at a future meeting.