For thousands of children across North Dakota and Clay County, MN, summer break doesn’t just mean time away from the classroom – it can also mean losing access to the breakfast and lunch programs they rely on during the school year. Childhood hunger is a year-round issue, but the problem becomes especially critical in the summer months.
That’s why the Great Plains Food Bank continues to host the Youth Summer Meals Program, ensuring children had a dependable source of nutrition all summer long. This year, the program served 30,779 meals to 4,397 kids, providing nourishment and peace of mind to families facing food insecurity.
At each summer meals site, children could receive balanced meals at no cost, no questions asked. For many families, the program became an essential resource.
“The food goes quickly with kids,” shared Pam, a grandmother who regularly brought her grandchildren to the Jamestown Summer Meals Program site. “But here there’s a great variety. I am so surprised that it’s packed with protein so the kids aren’t hungry. These meals fill you up.”
Pam said the ready-to-eat meals were especially helpful for families like hers who are always on the go. “I prefer these meals because there is no freezing, it doesn’t take up fridge space. And then I’m able to provide apples and other fruits and veggies to pair with it. It really helps when we’re camping or traveling to doctors appointments. This food is perfect to pack for the car to help feed the kids.”
The Youth Summer Meals Program is one more way the Great Plains Food Bank works to close the meal gap and ensure every child has the nutrition they need, no matter the season.