Every Wednesday evening this summer, a steady stream of vehicles winds through the Millersville Community Center parking lot. Volunteers wave signs, load food boxes into trunks, offer friendly smiles, and sometimes even stop to pray with those who need encouragement.

What may look like a simple food giveaway has become something much bigger — a community-wide effort to make sure local children have enough to eat while school is out.

Through a partnership between Well House Church and the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, hundreds of families are receiving free weekly food boxes designed to provide breakfast and lunch for children throughout the summer months.

For Well House Church Lead Pastor Steve Cunningham, the program perfectly reflects the church's mission: "Belong to a family. Bless our community. Become like Jesus."

"One of the things I really love most is being able to partner with other folks in the community for the community," Cunningham said. "It's something special when people see they're in a community that loves and supports them. Churches, nonprofits, businesses — we all have the same mindset of asking, 'How can we help the community?'"

The partnership began when the YMCA reached out to Well House Church last year about hosting a summer food distribution site. Cunningham didn't hesitate.

"Even without knowing a lot of the logistics, I said yes," he said.

That decision proved impactful. During the program's first year, volunteers distributed an astounding 26 tons of food over 10 weeks.

This summer's program is underway every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Millersville Community Center through July 29.Families can receive a food box for every child ages 0-18 simply by providing the child's name and birthdate. Even neighbors or friends can pick up food on behalf of families in need.

Each box contains approximately 8 to 10 pounds of food, including cereal, shelf-stable milk, juice boxes, snacks, and packaged lunches designed to help feed children for an entire week.

As a father of six, Cunningham understands firsthand how quickly grocery bills can climb during summer break.

"I know what it's like to have a full house of hungry kids through the summer," he said. "Our goal is not to judge who is most worthy of getting that love and support. We're there for everybody, whether you need a little extra help or a lot."

The effort requires an army of volunteers. On any given week, 20 to 30 people help unload pallets, direct traffic, complete paperwork, distribute food, and offer prayer and support.

Volunteer Char Miles said Well House members consistently answer the call when help is needed.

"That's the thing about Well House," Miles said. "When the call goes out for volunteers, we show up strong."

Miles was unable to participate last year because distributions were held during the day, but the move to evening hours has allowed her and her husband to serve.

"There are so many other things that this church does for the community," she said. "We were at the nursing home for Easter and Christmas, and let me tell you, that touched my heart so much."

For fellow volunteer Lori McMurtry, the impact becomes clear through the stories families share.

"One guy told us last week that his children would not have had juice or milk had they not come through here," McMurtry said. "When you hear things like that, you know you're impacting them, and that's what makes the difference."

The YMCA credits Well House Church's volunteer base for helping the program expand its reach.

"The YMCA provides the boxes and basically runs the program, but Well House Church kind of takes over for us," explained YMCA Production Coordinator Hannah Anderson. "We have so many volunteers from the church. The community engagement is better when you have actual people from the community. It's been amazing. We love this."

The partnership has also attracted support from local leaders. Last year, members of the Millersville Police Department identified families in need and helped deliver food boxes directly to them.

Beyond food, organizers hope families leave with something equally valuable: encouragement.

Prayer stations are available for anyone seeking support, whether they're facing illness, financial hardship, or other challenges.

"We're here to meet spiritual needs as well as physical needs," Cunningham said. "We love you, we're here for you, and we care about you."

For single mother Genely Morey, who recently learned about the program from a friend, the assistance is making a meaningful difference.

"I have four kids, so this will come in very handy," Morey said. "I don't qualify for food stamps, and it's hard to juggle food and everything, especially now that they're out of school. I didn't know there would be one box for each child. I'm very thankful and will definitely be back."

As another Wednesday night comes to a close, volunteers begin cleaning up while families head home with food in their vehicles and hope in their hearts.

For Cunningham, that's what the program is all about.

"When people come through the line, they're so appreciative," he said. "Our volunteers come out when it's hot and humid, but so many tell me how much it's blessed them to be part of it. It's a great time all the way around."