As the school year draws to a close, millions of children across the United States face the harsh reality of hunger. For many students, school meals are a vital source of nutrition, and summer break disrupts this crucial lifeline. The challenge of ensuring that children do not go hungry during the summer months is more pressing than ever.

During the academic year, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP) provide free or reduced-price meals to nearly 30 million children. However, when schools close for the summer, these programs halt, leaving a significant gap. According to the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), only one in seven children who rely on free or reduced-price lunches during the school year receive meals through summer programs.

Organizations and communities nationwide are striving to fill this void. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) aim to bridge the gap by providing meals to children in need during the summer months. These programs, however, face numerous challenges, including limited awareness, transportation barriers, and insufficient funding.

Lisa Davis, Senior Vice President of Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, emphasizes the urgency of addressing summer hunger. “For many kids, the end of the school year means the end of consistent, nutritious meals,” she says. “We need to ensure that all children have access to healthy food year-round.”

Local initiatives play a crucial role in combating summer hunger. In rural areas, where transportation can be a significant barrier, mobile meal programs have become a creative solution. For instance, the Mountaineer Food Bank in West Virginia operates a mobile feeding program that delivers meals directly to children in remote communities. Chad Morrison, the food bank’s Executive Director, explains, “We take the food to where the kids are. It’s essential that we reach them, no matter how isolated they may be.”

Urban areas also face unique challenges, and community organizations are stepping up to address them. In Chicago, the Greater Chicago Food Depository partners with libraries, parks, and other community sites to provide meals to children during the summer. “We need to meet children where they are, whether that’s a library, a park, or a community center,” says Kate Maehr, the Food Depository’s Executive Director. “Our goal is to make sure no child goes hungry when school is out.”

Despite these efforts, gaps remain. Funding constraints and logistical challenges mean that many children still do not receive the nutrition they need during the summer. Advocates argue that more robust federal support and innovative local solutions are needed to address this critical issue.

One promising approach is the use of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. The USDA’s Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (SEBTC) program provides eligible families with funds to purchase food during the summer months. Pilot programs have shown positive results, with participating families reporting improved food security and nutrition.

Parents, too, play a vital role in ensuring their children’s nutritional needs are met during the summer. Community education programs aim to empower parents with information on available resources and how to access them. Workshops on budgeting, meal planning, and cooking can also help families make the most of their food resources.

Public awareness campaigns are essential to inform families about the availability of summer meal programs. Schools, local governments, and non-profits use various outreach methods, including social media, flyers, and community events, to spread the word. “Awareness is a significant barrier,” says Davis. “We need to ensure that families know these programs exist and how to access them.”

Looking ahead, the goal is to create a more seamless transition from school year to summer for meal programs. Expanding funding, increasing public awareness, and leveraging technology are key strategies to ensure that no child goes hungry when school is out.

As the fight against summer hunger continues, it’s clear that a collaborative effort is needed. From federal initiatives to local community programs, ensuring that children receive the nutrition they need during the summer months requires innovation, commitment, and comprehensive support. By working together, we can help ensure that every child has access to healthy food, regardless of the season.