Lil C finished this school year last Friday. Like many kids, he was super excited that the school year was over. But there are many kids who were not looking forward to the last day of school. For them School not only meant learning and playing with friends… But it also meant that they were able to eat breakfast and lunch every day. Now that School is out, nearly 90 percent of children will have limited or no access to the free or reduced priced meals that they received during the School year. That means, they may be at higher risk for going hungry during the summer months. And kids who are hungry – cant be kids.
In the past, lil C and I had taken advantage of the Free and Reduced Lunch programs through his school – because I was let go from my job… And I wanted to make sure my child was able to have a healthy lunch every day. I was ever so grateful that the Reduced Lunch program was in place when we needed it most. And I know many others who have had to use the program as well. I never really thought what happens during the summer for some of these children. Since learning about Hunger Free Summer, I have thought about different things that we can do to help these children. Here are some Simple and Quick ideas to help spread awareness of a Hunger Free Summer
1) Invite some of your kids school mates over for a picnic. Making an extra sandwich only takes a few moments.
2) Help promote your local Food bank using your Facebook or Twitter accounts.
3) Take a few moments to talk to your local school officials. They may not be able to tell you other parents’ financial status, but you may be able to come up with a solution to use the school’s resources along with yours, to help feed children during the summer. I know I have received letters in the mail from my local school district sharing information of programs that would help this summer with lunches.
4) Spread awareness via word of mouth. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to sharing something you are passionate about. Tell everyone you know – and encourage them to tell everyone they know.
5) Take a moment to learn about the ConAgra Food Foundation and their initiative.
The ConAgra Food Foundation is raising awareness and investing in solutions for child hunger in the summer time. Some facts about ConAgra Food Foundation and initiative:
- This summer, 26 food banks in 18 states will use Hunger-Free Summer grants, funded by the ConAgra Foods Foundation – ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 – to expand their summer feeding program, bringing more healthy meals to more children during the summer
- ConAgra Foods’ Hunger-Free Summer initiative with Feeding America has a goal of reaching at least 25 percent more children in need during the summer than before, over the course of five years. They are currently in their fifth year -and has supported the delivery of 3.8 million meals to children struggling with hunger.
ConAgra Foods has partnered with Kid President to help spread the message of Child Hunger. What can you do to help? One way you can help is to View, Like or Share This Video with your friends, family and on your social media. For each action, the ConAgra Foods Foundation will donate the monetary equivalent of one meal to Feeding America, up to TWO MILLION Meals!(1)
If you would like to Volunteer at nearby foodbanks, you can visit www.feedingamerica.org to find a nearby food bank in need of volunteers. As a volunteer you can help transport food, help prep lunches and clean up or do activities with the kids. If you are looking to find meal sites in your area, make sure to call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479). If you would like to learn more about child hunger, visit www.childhungerendshere.com and click on the “tacking action” tab.
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
1For every view, like or share of this Kid President video recorded on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr and Google+ from May 22, 2014 through July 31, 2014, the ConAgra Foods Foundation will donate 11.1¢, the cost for Feeding America to provide one meal through its network of local food banks. Minimum donation of 10,000 meals ($11,111). Maximum donation of two million meals ($222,000). Valid in U.S. only.
Although this article is not directed toward a Canadian audience, it is subject that hits close to home everywhere. I am touched by the thought of children going hungry and am going to make more effort to contribute to agencies here that will address this sad problem.