Ames in Focus: Nourishing Summer with Brianne Anderson

Nourishing Summer: How Ames Public Library Is Helping Feed Kids When school lets out for the summer, many families face a new challenge: making sure kids have consistent access to nutritious meals. In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Brianne Anderson, Youth Services Manager at Ames Public Library, to talk about the library’s Summer Meals Program and the growing impact it’s having across the community. Brianne shares how the program works, who can participate, and why this year marks an exciting milestone with new USDA funding support. The conversation highlights how the library continues to evolve as a community hub, offering not just books and programs, but meaningful support for families throughout the summer months. Whether you’re a parent looking for resources, a community member interested in local initiatives, or simply curious about the many ways the library serves Ames, this episode offers an informative and encouraging look at a program making a real difference. Episode Highlights What the Summer Meals Program provides for local families How USDA funding strengthens and expands the program Who is eligible to receive meals Program schedule and location details Why reducing barriers to access matters The broader role of Ames Public Library in community support Brianne’s rapid-fire summer favorites Summer Meals Program Details Open to anyone 18 years old and younger Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. Runs June 8 through August 14 Hosted at Ames Public Library Connect & Learn More For more information about the Summer Meals Program and other library services, visit www.AmesPublicLibrary.org. Be sure to subscribe to Ames in Focus, leave a review, and follow the City of Ames on social media for updates on upcoming episodes and community programs.