Every year, it happens: the final bell rings, and kids leap up from their desks, rushing out the door. Summer vacation has arrived, bringing three months of fun and relaxation. However, for thousands of families facing food insecurity, summer vacations do not hold the same promise.

Food insecurity, which means not knowing where your next meal will come from, affects nearly 1 in 5 children. Often, when there isn’t enough food at home, they depend on the free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch provided at school as their only meals for the day.

Instead of planning vacations and family outings, families facing food insecurity are faced with tough questions about how to feed their kids while school is out.

Summer is often a stressful time for these families They’re often making difficult choices between paying for food or other basic necessities such as utilities or childcare. Not only is it a burden financially, but it can also be mentally and physically exhausting because there’s added strain on the family.”

This summer, to help these families fill the gap, Over the summer months when school is not in session, we partner with various organizations in our community to make sure students have meals to eat all summer long! Our Summer Meals provide children with lunch and snacks throughout the week, and our Hope 4 Kids Summer Reading helps provide books and reading materials for students and their families. 

With school out for the summer, nearly 13 million children in the U.S. will not have guaranteed access to regular meals. Food insecurity, a reality for so many American families, tends to get worse in the summer months. Data shows about one in every five children go food insecure throughout the country. https://www.newsweek.com/food-insecurity-hellofresh-no-kid-hungry-1914518

Help Fight Food Insecurity This Summer: Donation Guide. For families experiencing food insecurity, summer is far from a vacation. Without access to school meals, they face a challenging question: How do I feed my kids? If you want to help combat summer hunger in your community, here are some items that are in high demand at food pantries and food banks during the summer months.

• Canned ravioli, chicken, and fish. Because they’re nonperishable and good sources of protein, they’re some of the most versatile items to donate. Easy-to-open cans allow kids to serve themselves while their parents are at work.
• Canned fruits and vegetables. These make great snacks or side dishes for larger meals. No-sugar-added and low-sodium varieties are the healthiest to donate.
• Nutritious granola bars and cereals. Kids love these for quick and healthy breakfasts.
• Peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, and other nut butter. Peanut butter has a long shelf life and is a kid favorite (not to mention another great source of protein). Alternative nut butters are a great option for people with food allergies. 
• Instant oatmeal packets. Oatmeal is a quick, healthy and filling breakfast that only requires water.
• Shelf-Stable Milk. Fresh milk is only good for a week or two, but shelf-stable or powdered milk can last up to five years.
• These items are also especially needed during the summer months, when low-income families may struggle with additional or unexpected expenses:
• Household items, such as soaps, detergents and toilet paper
• Baby products, including diapers, soaps and formula
• Feminine hygiene products

There is no possible excuse for children to go hungry in this country. Yet it happens – every day, in every community.- No Kid Hungry