Second Harvest’s 12th annual Summer Food Program completed its first month of service on June 28th.
Throughout the month of June, Second Harvest’s fleet of trailers delivered over 102,610 breakfasts, hot lunches, and snacks to 98 participating locations in six counties, including YMCA’s, Parks and Recreation Centers, summer camps, libraries and churches.
During the long summer recess, children and youth often lack access to the free school lunch program since cafeterias are closed. That’s when the Summer Food Program helps bridge the nutritional and financial gap. During the summer, many struggling families have to spend more money on food and make tougher household budgetary decisions. Parents who would otherwise face difficult choices between food and other household expenses can instead send their children to one of the many Summer BreakSpot locations where two nutritionally balanced meals are served daily. (Text FOOD to 877-877 to find a Summer BreakSpot near you.)
Florida has one of the highest food insecurity rates for kids in the nation; 20% – one out of every five children. That’s why since 2008 Second Harvest has committed to be conscientious stewards of this federally-funded program.
Year after year Second Harvest goes the extra mile to procure quality raw ingredients for meal preparation, hiring additional seasonal staff, contracting delivery drivers and recruiting volunteers to help with this tremendous effort. This economic activity ripples into the local economy, helping create jobs and support local businesses.
Another month remains before schools once again open their doors. By that time, the program will have served over 250,000 meals, bringing the total since its inception to over 1.4 million meals served.
Learn how you can help provide hope to kids and families this summer: www.feedhopenow.org/summermatters.