What is Lunch Pals?
The Lunch Pals program is a network of volunteers who meet with Pinellas students for thirty minutes once a week at lunchtime. This program, beginning as a partnership between Raymond James and the Pinellas County School district, matches students needing consistent adult companionship with working volunteers. The program focuses on elementary-aged students during a single school year, but bonds are sometimes so strong, volunteers remain with their pals for longer! Ron Diner, the founder of the program in partnership with Raymond James, has been with one of his students for four consecutive years!
Who Can Be a Lunch Pal?
Anyone can apply to participate in the Lunch Pals program! There is no counseling involved, no certificate or degree required. Volunteers must simply desire to make friends with a young person, as well the time and consistency to be with that student every week throughout the school year. The interaction is limited to lunch periods at the student’s school only; there is no outside contact between volunteers and students. Whether through conversation, books, games, or laughter, the objective is to be a positive and consistent figure in a child’s life every week.
Background checks are required for prospective volunteers. Following the application and orientation process, a student is matched to their Lunch Pal. Volunteers will meet once a week with their students, on the same day each week, to provide stability and encouragement. Ron Diner attested to the happiness and confidence instilled in students who feel they want to be seen, heard and attended to by an adult every week. Stability, consistency and friendship are the foundation on which the program operates.
How Does Lunch Pals Benefit St. Petersburg?
Benefits to the community are myriad, as the program creates positive experiences for both volunteers and students. Students who interact with Lunch Pals during school often perform better and are less likely to miss school. The influence of a kind, professionally motivated adult can also help students avoid troublesome situations. Confident graduates may likely contribute to growing industries in the St. Petersburg community. Additionally, adults who spend time with their Lunch Pals experience the joy of interacting with a younger person, and knowing their actions contribute positively towards that student’s growth. Those students grow up, give back to the community, and make St. Petersburg a more attractive city in which to live and work.
Businesses also benefit from participating. Employees in the program report feeling more involved in their business and personal communities. Employees use their hour-long lunch break to visit local schools for volunteer time – and fun!
A “Growing” Program
Lunch Pals aims to grow. In the three years since its conception, the number of Lunch Pals student/volunteer participants has grown exponentially, now providing 1,250 students with a Lunch Pal. Ron Diner hopes to have a rate of 100% satisfaction between students and volunteers in the program.
Community partners and businesses are encouraged to engage in the Lunch Pals program. Businesses who participate in the program nurture a thriving St. Petersburg community while mentoring more confident potential employees and entrepreneurs. Ron Diner acknowledged that the program starts a positive feedback loop. Quoting Oprah with a smile, he says: “Nobody makes it alone. And we are all mentors to people even when we don’t know it.”
You Can Be A Part of This Program! Here’s How:
Businesses and individuals should start by visiting joinlunchpals. com. Interested candidates are also encouraged to “like” Lunch Pals on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. Pinellas County School District students look forward to meeting you!
