OUR HISTORY
In the summer of 2007, a group from Marion Methodist participated in a mission experience in North Omaha. While there, the group served meals, helped at a food pantry, and helped out throughout the city. Group members were reminded that in our community, people need these same things. Teachers in this group talked about the students who rely on hot lunch programs at their schools. For some students, those are the only meals they get. On days when there is no school, there may be no food for them.
After they returned home, this group invited others to explore and plan how to meet the needs of those children who may not eat when school is not in session. They decided to create FLY (feeding Lunch to Youth and their families) during those times. The first lunch was served during the winter break of 2007. Since then, FLY has grown to 11 locations and serves on average 400 lunches daily.
FLY's hope is to be the hands and feet of Jesus by providing a sack lunch to students who otherwise would struggle to have enough food.
Matthew 25:35
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me…”
VOLUNTEER
Join the mission and help us feed hundreds of kids during the summer months and spring break. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it matters.
You can help make and pack the meals or deliver them to the sites.
This year our summer lunch program will go from June 5 – August 22, 2025
Our Schedule for the Summer:
FLY Serves Monday – Friday
Lunch Preparation:
10:00 – 11:30 (10 people needed)
Make sandwiches
Sack contents of lunch bag. Get tubs ready to be delivered
Lunch Delivery:
11:45 – 12:30 (24 people needed daily)
Pick up lunches at Marion Methodist Church
5050 REC Drive in Marion
Leave site at 11:50 and pass out lunches (directions will be provided)
Return leftovers and count sheet to Marion Methodist Church
Thank you for volunteering for FLY
SUMMER SERVING SITES
Valley View Apartments – 635 Ashton Place NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Marion Village Mobile Home Park – 700 35th Street, Marion, IA 52302
Eagle Ridge Mobile Home Park – 1285 Red Fox Way, Marion, IA 52302
Squaw Creek Mobile Home Park – 6201 Hennessey Parkway, Marion IA 52302
Chapel Ridge Apartment – 1 Chapelridge Circle, Marion, IA 52302
Novak Elementary – 401 29th Avenue, Marion, IA 52302
Wilkins Elementary – 2127 27th Street, Marion, IA 52302
Lindale Manor Mobile Home Park – 400 Lindale Drive, Marion, IA 52302
Francis Marion Intermediate School, 2301 3rd Avenue, Marion, IA 52302
Marion Community Center
Boys and Girls Club of Marion
Current Partner Churches
Marion Methodist
First Presbyterian Church of Marion
FaithLife Church
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
Christ Community Church
St Paul’s Lutheran Church
Faith Lutheran Church
Contact Us
Email: gsantillan@marionmethodist.org
Phone: 319-377-4856
Marion Methodist Church
1298 Seventh Avenue
Marion, Iowa 52302
