Summer Feeding Programs

I’m sure most of the students who are reading this either participate in a Summer Feeding program, know someone who does, or have heard of one. For those who haven’t, here is a quick explanation as to what a Summer Feeding program is: a Summer Feeding program is a program that allows low-income children to continue to be able to eat nutritious meals even when school isn’t in session, like during summer vacation. Summer Feeding programs (SFP’s) are really important to have because there are some families who don’t get very steady or high income, so if those parents can know that their child(ren) are still going to be getting a steady supply of meals that are full of nutrients, it will mean a lot to them. You can usually get the same kind of thing while at school too, it’s usually called free or reduced lunch.

There are many types of places families may go to for help, some with requirements or applications. Here in our area we have many different types of Summer Feeding or Food Shelf programs:

1. Summer Meal Sites, which are located all around the state through Hunger Free Vermont. They provide meals (breakfast, snack, lunch or a combination) and are absolutely free to all children 18 and under with no application, no reservation and no need to call ahead.
2. Another type is our local Food Shelf, which is allowed to purchase food at discounted prices to supplement with donated items received from the community. They rely very heavily on donations and volunteers. Their families usually can chose things from what is available.
3. Another version of a SFP is our local summer lunch program, the CSLP. They hand out bags of different groceries once a week to each family with enough food for at least 5 breakfasts and lunches for each child in the house. Things like tuna fish, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese, fresh bread, cereal, and other fairly shelf stable items that older children can even possibly prepare for themselves. They do this for the 10 weeks of summer vacation. They also try to provide snacks, juices, and fresh produce whenever it is available. Food shelves are open year round, and all of these programs are also very helpful if someone loses a home due to a fire or if there has been a bad weather event in the area.

Please think about helping, donating or volunteering at your local program if possible in any way you can, as the need is great. My family and I got to help my dad’s company fill and hand out buckets and bags with donated food and cleaning items after very bad flooding struck an area where we used to live one summer….and I can tell you it is an AMAZING feeling to know you are helping!

Cat
Summit Ambassador
Vermont
7th Grade