## Leechburg Area’s Summer Youth Café: Nourishing Bodies and Spirits
**Tess Diehl’s passion for food service shines brightly** as she embarks on another fulfilling summer. “**We’re ready to feed the community**, and we take that responsibility seriously,” she declares. As the Food Service Director for Leechburg Area, Diehl not only nourishes students during the school year but also extends her culinary care to the community throughout the summer.
### A Community Commitment to Free Meals
On **June 9**, the doors of Leechburg Area High School’s cafeteria swung open for the **Summer Youth Café**, a fantastic initiative that offers **free meals** to all children under 18. This program is a beacon of hope for families, ensuring that hunger doesn’t take a vacation.
Each week, Diehl meticulously crafts a menu that meets **nutritional guidelines** while keeping meals appealing and familiar to students. With each lunch, attendees enjoy a balanced plate featuring **vegetables, fruits, and options for juice and milk**.
> “I keep it simple,” Diehl explains, “especially since **product availability** can be limited in summer. But I aim to serve meals that students recognize from the school year.”
#### Meals for All Ages
While the program primarily targets kids, Diehl warmly welcomes adults to join in as well. For those over 18, meals are available for **just $4.75**. “We’re happy to feed anyone who walks through our doors,” Diehl emphasizes, underscoring the community’s spirit of inclusivity.
### A Collaborative Effort with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
The success of the Summer Youth Café is bolstered by support from the **Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank**. Through both physical and digital outreach, they help promote this vital program, making sure families know about their options.
Beth Burrell, the Food Bank’s Director of Communications, shares invaluable insights, “**We partner with various sites participating in the federally funded Summer Food Service Program**, helping them with advertising and support.”
#### The Scope of Service
The Food Bank operates over **400 sites** across 11 counties, with **11 sites in Armstrong County** and **76 in Allegheny County** serving during the summer months. This extensive network ensures thousands of children receive the nourishment they need, with over **40,000 meals served** last summer alone!
Community sites are not limited to schools; they include **churches, parks, and community centers**, ensuring widespread access to meals. Eligibility depends on the demographics of the area, primarily focusing on regions where children qualify for free or reduced-price meals. For more details, visit the [Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank](https://pittsburghfoodbank.org/what-we-do/kids/summer-youth-cafe/?utm_source=leechburg&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=SYC&utm_id=2025&utm_content=purple) website.
### Navigating Challenges
Diehl faces challenges in attracting kids to the café this summer; with only around **10 children visiting** daily, there’s room for improvement. “I totally understand,” she remarks, “**it’s summer break, and it’s tough to get them to come to school.**”
Yet she remains determined, emphasizing the significance of free meals for families. “**It’s one less thing for them to worry about**,” she states.
### Join the Summer Youth Café
The Leechburg Area Summer Youth Café runs from **11 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday**, until **July 17**. This program is a golden opportunity to provide your children with nutritious meals without breaking the bank. For a peek at the menu and more information, visit the [Leechburg Area School District](https://www.leechburg.k12.pa.us/apps/news/article/2079987) website.
In summary, the Leechburg Area’s Summer Youth Café exemplifies community spirit, passion for nourishment, and commitment to bridging the hunger gap during the sunny months. **Join Tess and her dedicated team in making a difference—every meal served is a step towards a healthier community.**
Haley Daugherty is a TribLive reporter covering local politics, feature stories, and Allegheny County news. A native of Pittsburgh, she lived in Alabama for six years. She joined the Trib in 2022 after graduating from Chatham University. She can be reached at [email protected].
