LUNCH BUDDIES

Lunch buddies is a mentoring program that partners volunteers with elementary students who are in need of extra time and attention. Classroom teachers often recommend students for the program because they have just moved to the area, are struggling in school, or need a friend. Buddies come in once a week to eat lunch and spend time with their students. This can include reading or playing games together, helping them with schoolwork, or simply talking and listening.

At present, Mallett School has the highest number of buddies because it’s so close to the UMF campus. There are currently six or seven buddies meeting regularly at Mallett, though at one point there were as many as eighteen active buddies. Mentors are always in short supply. Cape Cod Hill School in New Sharon, Cushing School in Wilton, and Academy Hill School in Wilton are also part of the program and are in need of more lunch buddies.

The response from parents, teachers, and students regarding the lunch buddy program has been very positive. Having a buddy allows the students to receive extra attention that the teacher cannot always give without taking time out of the school day. The students really look up to their buddies and are always excited to meet with them. For some students, it’s the highlight of their week. Their buddies are positive role models who can help them develop good social skills and who really listen to what they have to say.

Being a lunch buddy is a very rewarding experience. It’s a great way to work with children in a classroom setting, but most importantly it’s a way to make a difference in one child’s life. There’s no better feeling than walking into the room and seeing your buddy’s face light up, and then to have him run over, grab your hand, and start talking to you like you’re his best friend. Being a mentor in the lunch buddy program is an opportunity to have fun and make a difference while giving back to the Farmington community. 

-- Erin Porter,
Women's basketball, softball

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