 Each year, the beginning of summer marks the beginning of fun, friends and a welcomed break for school children across the state. But for many Arizona students, this time of year also marks the end of daily, nutritious, and reliable meals. Nearly half a million students in the state rely on free or reduced school lunches during the school year, according to the most recent Food Research & Action Center report. For many students, these guaranteed meals may be the only source of nutritious food they can count on each day. The school cafeteria doors may be closed for the summer, but hunger doesn’t go on vacation. Lack of access to nutritious meals can have negative effects on a child’s health, development and success in learning year-round. That’s why over 400 Summer Food Service Program sites in the state serve free meals to kids 18 and younger all summer long, helping to close this critical food insecurity gap. This means thousands of students can count on at least one nutritious meal every single day in June and July. Nearly every site offers breakfast and lunch, and some offer dinner and snacks. Many of the sites also provide activities for children, offering a safe space for children to beat the heat and stay active. Visit https://www.eatwellbewell.org/summerfood to find a free summer meal program in your area. If there is not a program near you, contact the Arizona Department of Education to start one. For more food resources, contact the Association of Arizona Food Banks. Check out the infographic below to learn more about summer meal programs, and how they help ensure the success and wellbeing of Arizona students: 
5 Comments
4/4/2021 03:57:20 am
One or more paid or unpaid food breaks taken between the start and finish times of each rostered period at work, the primary purpose of which is to allow employees to have a main meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner), and which are normally longer than other standard breaks. When you break something, you ruin it. When you take a break, you stop and rest. If you play catch during your food break, try not to break any windows. The verb break means to fracture or crack or destroy something while the noun refers to an interruption or a little time off. “Taking food breaks allows your brain and body to get the necessary recharge it needs to keep going,” says Brittany Johnson, a licensed mental health counselor. 5/27/2021 03:23:43 pm
You made a good point when you shared that a child’s health, development and success will get negative effect due to lack of access to nutritious meals. It is always helpful if we can donate and provide for children who have not been eating properly. I would like to think if someone wants to end child hunger, he should consider donating his money to the right organization. 8/10/2021 09:57:45 am
Hunger doesn't take a break and what goes to stomach should be nutritious. Very helpful points. Thank you for sharing the post. 6/27/2025 01:19:20 pm
Even though this was posted a few years back, the message is still just as relevant today. I’ve worked on a number of home additions and kitchen remodels in neighborhoods around Chandler, and I’ve seen how much families rely on programs like these. Summer can be tough when school meals aren't available, so it's great to see efforts that step in to support kids when they need it most. Leave a Reply. |
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