Now that summer is here, learning is the last thing on most young people\u2019s minds. However, the end of school also means the start of summer hunger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you aren\u2019t already familiar with summer hunger and how it hurts kids, we encourage you to take a moment to read this five-point list. After all, learning about a problem is the first step we can all take towards fixing it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1) 1 in 5 kids doesn\u2019t know where their next meal will come from.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s how many kids in America are food insecure and don\u2019t know when they\u2019ll get to eat next \u2013 or if the food they do get will be enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kids need food so they can grow physically and mentally. If they can\u2019t get enough to eat, they can\u2019t enjoy summer \u2013 or any other time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2) Almost 30 million students in the U.S. qualify for free or reduced-price meals at school.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Federal programs aimed at supporting students can have a huge impact on a child\u2019s access to food. During the school year, free or reduced-priced lunches, and sometimes breakfasts, are the most reliable meals a child gets to eat. But during the summer these meals go away. Families who were already struggling to afford food may find it even more difficult to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3) Summer hunger can cause physical problems.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n