Right now, 1 in 7 kids in Colorado faces food insecurity. Ensuring that children in our community have enough to eat is always a top priority for Food Bank of the Rockies, and meeting that need becomes especially top of mind during the summer months. Most people may not realize it due to summer being a time of fun and relaxation for many, but the months when school is out of session are also the months when kids struggle the most to get the nourishment they need.
“During the school year, many children regularly receive breakfast and lunch through their schools. But once school is out for the summer, the need for consistent and balanced meals increases significantly,” said Food for Kids Manager Kodi Phelps. “Through the Summer Food Service Program, we are able to address the ‘summer slump’ by ensuring that children are receiving all of the nutrition they need in order to set them up for success when they return in the fall.”
To make sure the children in our community continue to have access to food when school is out of session, we partner with the USDA Summer Food Service Program (also known as SUN Meals), which provides caregivers access to free, nutritious meals for kids. Through this program, Food Bank of the Rockies provides tens of thousands of meals to kids across Colorado during June, July, and August across 53 sites.
Reducing childhood food insecurity is no easy feat, but you can make a difference. We encourage you to make a donation, become a monthly donor, or volunteer with us as you’re able to help nourish the kids in our communities. Together, we can ensure every kid has the nutritional support they need to thrive.
Learn more about our Food for Kids program in our Q&A with Kodi Phelps, Food for Kids Manager