When School is a Vacation from Hunger

Each summer thousands of children leave school for summer vacation, but for the children of low-income families or families who struggle financially summer vacation is no picnic. While many children count the days they’ll have to swim, go to the beach, camp, hike or play with friends, children who live in food insecure households anxiously count the number of meals they’ll miss when they don’t have access to school meal programs. Conejo Valley schools aren’t just places for children to learn—they are also a major source of hunger-relief. Childhood hunger is an increasing problem for local kids, one whose long term affects could be devastating on a child’s ability to learn and thrive. Children may put aside their textbooks for the summer, but hunger never takes a vacation. When school is not in session, children suddenly lose out on an important source of nutrition, and the consequences of even a few months of missed meals can be severe. Children living in food insecure homes are more likely to experience poor overall health, developmental delays, and behavioral and emotional problems. Over 65% of Manna’s clients have school aged children, which means thousands of kids going hungry during the 95-days of summer. If a child receives both breakfast and lunch at school the loss could mean 190 fewer meals during their summer vacation. Can you imagine going without 190 meals this summer? To make sure the only things underserved kids have to worry about is how they’ll spend their summer vacation Manna has made summer nutrition a high priority. Through our “Hunger Never Takes a Holiday” program we are connecting with area organizations, churches and businesses to bring in the fresh produce and non-perishable foods our kids need and like. Summer can be a lean time for Manna as well. With schools and clubs dark for the summer and many employees and families on vacation, the number of food drives decrease while at the same time Manna’s need for food increases. That’s when we reach out to the community to help stock our pantry with kid-friendly, easy to prepare foods. Make your summer vacation a vacation from hunger for thousands of Conejo Valley children, by giving generously. Manna accepts all nonperishable food items, toiletries, grocery store gift cards and cash donations. When you give, you help a child who would otherwise go hungry. Help stop the hunger pangs of summer by donating today, because every can and every dollar does make a difference in the life of a hungry child.