As schools and cafeterias close for the summer, many children and families, who rely on school-provided meals for critical nutrition, are left facing the unfathomable: a summer of worry and hunger. The inflated cost of essentials coupled with the absence of essential school meals during summer break adds to the stress and tough decisions that parents face, such as choosing between paying rent and putting food on the table.
By taking action, you can help food banks like Second Harvest step up their programming to distribute nutritious food to children and families, ensuring a hunger-free summer.
Thanks to you, kids ages 18 and under can turn to Second Harvest’s 65 Summer Food Service sites for free nutritious meals and snacks all summer long. Volunteers help prep and pack meals at Mercy Kitchen, which are then delivered to community centers, summer camps, and other places where children can safely gather for a meal, Monday through Friday.
In addition, families can access a variety of fresh and nonperishable foods at 750 local food pantries or mobile food distributions across all seven Central Florida counties.
Here are three ways you can help fight hunger this summer:
Start a Virtual Food Drive
Hosting a virtual food drive is not only fun but also an incredibly simple way to engage friends, family, and coworkers in a group effort to help feed kids and families this summer. With just a few clicks, you can start making a significant impact today!
Donate Funds
One in eight Central Floridians—kids, families, and seniors—are facing hunger this summer. Your financial support can provide nutritious meals when your neighbors need them most. For every $10 you donate, 40 meals are distributed to Central Florida neighbors seeking help with food assistance.
Volunteer
Sign up to help prepare meals for kids at Mercy Kitchen or sort food donations in our warehouse. Individuals and groups are welcome!
With your help, Central Florida families will have food on the table and a hope-filled summer.
