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(1) Summer is a time of need.Ìý

For some kids, summer is a time of joy and freedom. For millions of kids who rely on school for regular meals, however, summer can be a time of hunger and anxiety.ÌýResearch showsÌý³Ù³ó²¹³ÙÌýfamilyÌýgrocery costs riseÌýÌýwhen school is out and school meals disappear, putting a strain on already-tight budgets. That leaves many familiesÌý; two-thirds of all low-income families say they’ve had to choose between food and utilities, two-thirds also had to choose between food and medical care.

(2) Summer hunger has long-term consequences.Ìý

A lack of reliable nutrition during the summer months takes a major toll on children. Kids who struggle with hunger are more likely toÌýforgetting what they learned and starting the next school year months behind their more affluent peers. Kids who struggle with hunger are more likely to experienceÌý, like iron deficiency, anemia, asthma, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

(3) Summer meals are a lifeline for hungry kids.Ìý

Summer Meals are a lifeline for kids in need. The national summer meals program was created 40 years ago to help students get enough nutrition when school is out of session.ÌýÌýare funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); administered by state agencies, such as state departments of education; and run by public and private organizations, including schools, community centers and faith-based organizations.

(4) The summer meals program doesn’t reach many kids who need it.Ìý

When the program works well, it’s a lifeline. Today, however, the program just doesn’t reach a majority of kids in need; of the 22 million kids who receive a free or reduced-price school lunch,Ìý.ÌýNo Kid Hungry is changing that. We’re working in communities across the country to help open new summer meals sites, and help existing summer meals sites feed even more kids.

Support Share Our Strength through your employee givingÌýprogram:

As Share Our Strength’s workplace giving partner, ¾«¶«Ó°Òµâ€™s Charities can help your company design and implement a program centered on supporting their work – through workplace giving campaigns, employee fundraising, cause-focused signature programs, volunteerism, matching gifts, Dollars-for-Doers, In-Kind Giving and other employee engagement and philanthropic initiatives.ÌýClick hereÌýto request a demo and learn how we can help you do this.