Community Programs Feed Low-Income Children over the Summer
When summer comes along, kids and teens have plenty to look forward to: pool time, sports camp, three months of freedom and no homework. But some low-income kids might actually be looking forward to their next meal.During the school year, more than 16.9 million low-income children receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Research shows children without proper nourishment do poorly in school and have lower academic achievement, leading many organizations to help keep students fueled during and after the school day.
“The benefits of healthy and reliable meals don’t start and end with the school year,” said Karen Shearer, Executive Director of Hernando School Age Programs, YMCA of the Suncoast.
“Without proper nourishment in the summer, kids risk falling into a summertime slump and returning to school in the fall at a disadvantage compared to their classmates.”
The YMCA of the Suncoast school age camps are hosting this program over the summer. Contact them for exact locations.
In order to combat hunger and fill this summertime gap, community organizations step up to make sure young people in underserved areas have what they need to thrive. Community leaders work with teachers from local schools to identify which kids and teens need assistance and educate them on the programs available in their neighborhood.
One established option is the Y’s Summer Food Program, supported by the Walmart Foundation. Now in its sixth year, the program serves kids ages 18 and under nutritious meals, like turkey sandwiches with green beans and mixed fruit cocktail and snacks. The program also includes activities to help them keep their bodies and minds active.
This year, the Y anticipates serving nearly 5 million meals and snacks to more than 200,000 kids across the country. Since the program began five years ago, the Y’s Summer Food Program has served approximately 34.5 million healthy meals and snacks to nearly 400,000 kids.
Learn more about the Y’s Summer Food Program at ymca.net/summerfood.