It's Not 1975 Anymore: Save Summer For Hungry Kids With No Kid Hungry

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Jun 22, 2015, 12:18 ET

WASHINGTON, June 22, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Since 1975, a lot has changed: TV channels are powered by the Internet, video games come in the palm of our hands, and even watches can function as phones and computers. Yet, despite these advancements, for kids struggling with hunger today, this summer feels like it did 40 years ago.

As the season officially kicks off, Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign today is calling on Americans to raise their voice to take summer meals out of the 70s and save summer for kids who are struggling with hunger.

A lot has changed since 1975, yet, kids struggling with hunger are still not receiving the nutrition they need, and the federal summer meals program that was created 40 years is no longer serving those in need. We are a nation of innovators - isn't it time we did the same for ending childhood hunger?

Throughout the day, No Kid Hungry anti-hunger advocates, parents, foodies, chefs and passionate supporters will be uniting to spread awareness of the childhood hunger epidemic during the summer, and ways we can fix it.

The summer meals program was created 40 years ago to help kids get the nourishment they need when school is out of session. In places it works well, it's a lifeline to kids in need. Unfortunately, there are many communities where it does not work effectively, and today, the national summer meals program only successfully connects one in six kids from low-income families with the meals they need. Too many barriers block most children from the nutrition they need to thrive, including insurmountable transportation challenges, severe weather, and excessive red tape.

The good news? Together, we can change this, but we have to act now. Advocates can send a letter to Congress, add their voices to the Thunderclap and/or share the following messages:

Currently only 1 out of 6 kids who need them are getting summer meals - we need to fix that: bit.ly/1FxmkbJ pic.twitter.com/gmgTkfllNM
Summer is the hungriest time of year for millions of kids across the country. @NoKidHungry is working to change that: nokidhungry.org
Imagine not knowing where your next meal was coming from this summer? That's reality for many: nokidhungry.org pic.twitter.com/gmgTkfllNM
When school's out, millions of kids in our country don't have access to meals. You can help @NoKidHungry change that: nokidhungry.org

For more on No Kid Hungry's work to ensure that all kids get the nutrition they need during summer, visit www.nokidhungry.org/summer, and to add your voice to the rising movement to end summer hunger, visit www.nokidhungry.org/social.

About NO KID HUNGRY
No child should go hungry in America, but 1 in 5 kids will face hunger this year. Using proven, practical solutions, No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger today by ensuring that kids start the day with a nutritious breakfast and families learn the skills they need to shop and cook on a budget. When we all work together, we can make sure kids get the healthy food they need. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of national anti-hunger organization Share Our Strength. Join us at NoKidHungry.org.

Contacts:
Mfa, Ltd., 212-528-1691
Prerana Swami, [email protected]
Erin Curtis, [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150622/224651-INFO

SOURCE Share Our Strength