Summertime is for fun in the sun. Families plan trips to the beach or the mountains. Kids are out of school and enjoying their free time, not worrying about tests and assignments. Many families are not able to enjoy a vacation of any type, though, let alone a break from their hunger. These families continue to worry about paying bills and making sure everyone has enough to eat throughout the hot summer months.
Many children get their most filling meal at school. When school is out, the family often scrambles to provide for everyone at home.
Pender County had a food insecurity rate of 12.7% in 2023 while Onslow County’s food insecurity rate was 16.8%. These numbers do not take a summer vacation.
Organizations such as Share the Table help year-round with a client-choice, no-barriers food pantry. During the summer months, our backpack program (MUNCH) provides healthy choices for the children delivered to their homes.
It’s critical to remember that, while summer plans can be fun and exciting, there are too many families still struggling throughout the traditional vacation months. It’s also important to remember that organizations such as Share the Table continue to need the help of supporters who provide financially as well as with their time and talent to ensure their neighbors have the food they need every day.
What can you do to help your neighbors during the summer months? Organize a food drive. Host a neighborhood bake sale to raise funds. Donate fresh produce you’ve harvested in your garden.
The easiest way to help is to go online and make a donation, knowing you are contributing to healthy and nutritious meals for your neighbors throughout the summer months and beyond.
Everyone wants to enjoy their summer break. For those not able to take a real vacation, hunger shouldn’t be an added stress for their family. Hunger doesn’t take a vacation, and neither should you, when it comes to supporting your neighbors in need. Your support today can make a huge difference in their summer and in their lives!
Thanks for being a Hunger Hero!