SIDNEY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County has started a lunch buddies program at Jackson Center Elementary.

The Lunch Buddies is a weekly program in which adults work with and mentor second- and third-graders. Mentors have lunch with the students, assist them with school work and play games together. The children are referred by either their teachers or school counselors. The program takes place on Wednesdays during the students’ lunch period.

Lunch buddies mentoring programs have become a component of many Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies. Studies prove that children who spend time with positive role models are more likely to become healthy, productive adults.

The adult mentors in Jackson Center are Joyce Regula, Phyllis Rump, Rhonda Wildermuth, Hershel Wright and Tara Zorn.