A South Whidbey food program providing weekend meals for children and their families throughout the school year has expanded its services during the summer to supply recipients with a week’s worth of food.

Whidbey Island Nourishes, known as WIN, partners with the South Whidbey School District and nonprofits Readiness to Learn and Good Cheer to distribute food throughout the community to families in need.

According to a press release, there is a greater demand for families who have been experiencing economic hardships caused by COVID-19 and relying on WIN more than ever.

Operations Manager Melinda Gardiner said WIN will give a week of lunch-based grocery items to those enrolling in the summer food program. Some of these foods will include breakfast items.

Families can also opt to receive only weekend meals, though all registrations so far have been for the week-long program.

The South Whidbey school gardens have been producing vegetables for the food program and Useless Bay Coffee Company employees have been making soup.

Registration for the summer program can be completed online at https://www.whidbeyislandnourishes.org/programs.html, by email to winourishes@whidbey.com or by calling 360-221-7787.

Families will be asked for details of any food sensitivities or allergies and what foods their children will be most likely to eat. Family bags will include bread, meat, peanut butter, tuna, cheese, vegetables, fruit, granola, yogurt, milk, eggs, trail mix and bean and rice burritos.

• Donations can be made to WIN via the organization’s website, or by mail to WIN, PO Box 1642, Langley WA 98260.