How Your Smartphone Can Connect Kids With Free Meals This Summer

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For many children, summer is a time for friends, vacations, and carefree days in the sun. But for the millions of children who rely on school meals, the summer months can be a time of uncertainty and hunger when those meals disappear. 

The federal summer meals program helps children get the healthy food they need when school is out. These free, healthy meals are available to kids and teens across the country, but only a fraction of those in need have access. Forty-three percent of low-income families find themselves without enough food when school lets out. Many parents don't even know the summer meals program exists.

That's why the national No Kid Hungry campaign is spreading the word that finding free summer meals in your community is as easy as sending a text!

The National Text for Summer Meals Day (June 3) brings together the No Kid Hungry network of chefs, celebrities, community and national organizations, and elected officials to raise awareness of the summer meals program and texting service. Today, these partners are joining together on social media, in their communities and through their own networks to help connect kids in need to free meals this summer.

Did you know?

• More than 50 percent of families who participate in school meal programs struggle during the summer months
• Families report spending an additional $300 on food during the summer months

Last summer, 4.3 million meals were served in states and cities where the No Kid Hungry campaign is working on the ground. According to the Food Research and Action Council, participation in the summer meals program grew significantly for the first time in a decade. That work was accomplished by applying innovative solutions to summer hunger, like mobile meal programs and community outreach.

Join us to change the story of summer for kids in need.

Twitter: It's easy! Text FOOD to 877-877 to find free #SummerMeals for kids and teens in your neighborhood #NoKidHungry

Facebook: Share No Kid Hungry's text graphic with your followers

About SHARE OUR STRENGTH'S NO KID HUNGRY CAMPAIGN
No child should grow up hungry in America, but one in five children struggles with hunger. Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry^® campaign is ending childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day. The No Kid Hungry campaign connects kids in need to effective nutrition programs like school breakfast and summer meals and teaches low-income families to cook healthy, affordable meals through Cooking Matters. This work is accomplished through the No Kid Hungry network, made up of private citizens, public officials, nonprofits, business leaders and others providing innovative hunger solutions in their communities. Join us at NoKidHungry.org.

CONTACT:
Tali Caiazza
202-594-3593
[email protected]

SOURCE Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry Campaign