Hungry for Summer?

Let’s Make Sure It Means Excitement for Summer, Not Hungry All Summer

Read about grant partners that are making a difference »

Children in the U.S. aren’t hungry because we lack food. Children are hungry because they lack access to programs that can help—like Summer Meals. Bill Shore,Founder

 

For children who rely on school meals for the bulk of their nutrition, summer break becomes something to dread rather than a time filled with excitement. Due to unemployment and the recession, the need is greater than ever. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the Summer Food Service Program to fill the summertime gap. More than 16 million kids who are eligible for summer meals don't get them, which is why Share Our Strength and its partners are working overtime to change this.

 

How can you help? Now that summer vacation is upon us, the most important thing to do is to spread the word about summer meals sites in your community so that families and kids know the meals are available.

We're making progress. In 2009, nearly 50,000 more kids enrolled in summer meals programs nationwide than the year before. In Florida, summer meals programs are offered in all 67 counties. Colorado will have 300 summer meals sites for children (up from 220 last year); and Maryland will add 30 more summer meals sites and expand capacity at existing sites.

Best of Summer Meals Stories

Best way to get meals to kids
The Summer Meals Truck in New York City »

Best solution to Transportation Barriers
Of One Accord, the “Lunch Box”/renovated school bus meals program »

Best "One Man Band"
Warren Yoder (he really is running food policy reform for the entire state of MS)»

Best Tasting Summer Lunch
Taco Salad with San Diego with the SD Unified School District »

2,600 miles in just 13 days on the road we visited...

Thank you for your support that makes all of this possible. To see a map of all the places we visited on our road tour this summer, click here.