Church Reaches Out to Teens witih Breakfast

(Springfield, MO) -- A local church is offering our community a different type of service.

The group is reaching out to high school students and bringing some financial relief to their families.

Two days a week, students from Parkview High School wake up extra early for a hot meal, but nutritional food isn't the only thing on the menu.

The smell of pancakes, eggs and bacon is an extra reason for students at Parkview High to get to school early

"I came to eat breakfast and just to hang with my friends.  It's a good opportunity, we play basketball sometimes, it's just a lot of fun," said student Josh Woodiel.

Close to a hundred students pack the multi-purpose room at Parkview Christian Church before class every week.

"It tastes amazing. The food is really good," he said.

They're lining up for a warm breakfast and a chance to get closer to their faith.

"I think it's pretty cool, you know because it's like you don't really hear people saying all that stupid stuff they say in high school.  All the curse words and its just kind of cool to just hang out," said Adam Mitchell, sophomore at Parkview High School.

Faith leaders started handing out donuts to students ten years ago and now offer teenagers a three-course meal before class ever begins.

"You know they are always so grateful, I mean they say have a nice day or thank you or something, you know," said church volunteer, Irene Murray.

The program continues to grow and organizers say more and more teenagers are coming for the free breakfast.

"It really has pumped up in attendance I've seen in the last several months and I think the economy has something to do with it," said youth minister, Ryan Clements, who organizes the free breakfast event.

But whatever the case faith leaders say the free meals do provide more savings for area families.

"There are times we set up ten tables.  Its kind of the norm I guess and as they come in and out that's about all we need, but we have had instances where we've set up, you've got to throw up a few more tables to make sure you can fill it up for everybody," said Clements.

Faith leaders with Parkview Christian Church offer free breakfast to students every Tuesday and Thursday morning.  While they eat, the youth minister is able to introduce the teenagers to other church programs and get them talking about their spirituality.

Community donations help fund the free breakfast, but faith leaders also have a little money set aside in their budget to help operate the program.