Free Summer Food Program

By Shari Einhorn

Kids going hungry...on Long Island?  Believe it or not...it happens more often than you might think.

Here's an image that will put the problem into perspective.  Last year while doing a story on this topic someone told me you could fill Shea Stadium twice with the number of Long Island children who go to bed hungry.  That shocked me then -- and still does! 

Children have access to free and reduced breakfast and lunches during the school year but come summertime -- lots of families have no access to food for their children even though they might be eligible for federally funded programs. 

In fact, I'm told that on Long Island, only 6% of the children eligible for free summer lunch actually get it.  Why?  Either because their parents don't know about the programs or because they can't get to them.

The Summer Food Service Program provides free, nutritious meals for all children 18 years old and under.

Click here for a list of summer food program sites in Nassau and Suffolk counties. 

You can also call 1-800-522-5006 to find a site nearest you.

There are lots of really great people out there who run terrific programs...if you know someone who could use the help...please find a way to get this information to them.

Thanks,

Shari