MENTORS & MEALS (M&Ms)

Mentors & Meals is a free after-school and summer program for middle school students in Woodford County, Kentucky, with a mission to enhance academic achievement through mentoring. We connect students with high school, college, and adult mentors who provide homework help, encouragement, positive relationships, and consistent support—all while making sure students have a hot meal and a welcoming place to spend their afternoons.

Since Mentors & Meals began, we have served more than 1,380 students, engaged more than 1,600 volunteers, provided over 36,000 meals and snacks, and benefited from an incredible 67,000+ hours of volunteer service.

But M&Ms is about more than numbers. Our students have a place where they can finish their homework, sit down for a hot meal, try something new, build friendships, and develop meaningful relationships with mentors who show up for them. Programming includes academic support, reading and book clubs, summer camps, recreation, guest speakers, prevention education, and other opportunities that help students build confidence and discover their strengths.

At Mentors & Meals, we believe relationships make a difference. By bringing students, mentors, families, schools, and community partners together, we are creating a stronger network of support for Woodford County’s young people and helping them develop the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed—in school and beyond.