Kids just want to be kids. However, studies show that one in five children in Central Florida are at risk of facing hunger at some point this year. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, along with volunteers, partners, and financial supporters, aims to ensure kids have access to the healthy, nutritious meals they need to thrive.
One solution is Kids Café, an after-school meal service program that provides food to students. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida prepares and delivers nutritious meals to 28 sites during the school year.
“We didn't have anything like this when I was in school,” says Quinn Byrd, site director at Midway Safe Harbor in Sanford, where 135 students receive an after-school meal each weekday. “The kids get a hot meal every day here. Everybody jumps in and does what needs to be done to make sure the kids get their food.”
Kids Cafe is a partnership. Second Harvest Food Bank provides the food, funding and coordinator training for all Kids Cafe sites with support from corporations, foundations and the State of Florida's Child Care Food Program. Partners at community centers, churches and parks and recreation sites, prepare and serve students meals. Each site also provides a wide range of enrichment and educational activities.
“I really love the chicken,” says Tyson, a boisterous kindergartner. His after-school meal of chicken, collard greens and sweet potatoes energizes him for an afternoon filled with basketball, tutoring and fun with friends.
Like others across Central Florida, many parents are juggling multiple jobs in the Midway community. Second Harvest and Midway Safe Harbor provide stability and relief by working together. Knowing their children have a safe, caring place gives parents peace of mind.
“At the end of the day, if you're not eating, you're not learning,” says Quinn, adding, “If you're not eating, you're not working. If you're not eating, you're not moving.”
Thanks to a caring community, Kids Cafe and other childhood hunger relief programs help ensure kids have access to the healthy, nutritious food they need to learn, grow and thrive.
