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Millcreek Journal

School might be out, but hunger is always in session for children facing food insecurity

Jul 09, 2024 04:16PM ● By Lizzie Walje

The Utah Food Bank helps provide over 400,000 meals for children in need this summer. In addition, they supply food pantries across the state with supplies for those struggling to keep food on the table during the summer months. (The Utah Food Bank)

The summer months are notoriously difficult for children who have limited or no access to food. Children who rely on free or reduced lunches are not receiving those benefits as most schools aren’t in session. Many of these children miss meals or go hungry during the hottest time of the year. 

With inflation at hand, food prices, especially in the Beehive State, have skyrocketed making it more difficult for families to stretch their dollars, even if they are receiving supplemental benefits, like SNAP EBT. Many families who do receive SNAP benefits are no longer receiving the same monetary amount as they did during the pandemic when relief programs were in place. 

According to the Utah Food Bank, one in 10 children in the state is food insecure meaning that these children do not know where their next meal is coming from. 

Feeding America, the country’s largest nonprofit dedicated to combating hunger, explains why food insecurity is particularly dangerous for children. 

In a statement, they said, “For children, food insecurity is particularly devastating. Not having enough healthy food can have serious implications for a child’s physical and mental health, academic achievement and future economic prosperity. Research shows an association between food insecurity and delayed development in young children; risk of chronic illnesses like asthma and anemia; and behavioral problems like hyperactivity, anxiety and aggression in school-age children.”

In the United States, certain children are more likely to be affected by food insecurity. For instance, Black and Latino children are twice as likely to face hunger compared to their white counterparts. This is in no way an insinuation that white children aren’t also victims of hunger, just a reminder that race discrimination is real and can play an active role in perpetuating food insecurity for minority children and adults. Another common risk factor for childhood food insecurity is growing up in a single parent household. In 2022, children who lived in a single income household, typically led by single mothers, were 33% more likely to experience hunger. 

What causes childhood hunger, and food insecurity?  Because this issue is complicated and nuanced, there are many answers to this question, and often times, a child experiences hunger due to multiple, intersecting reasons. However, according to Feeding America, the following are major contributors to child hunger:

Low family income: Working hard and long hours does not necessarily lend itself to high wages and returns. This is why many families in dual income households might still struggle to put food on the table. Especially during these times of skyrocketing inflation.

Lack of affordable housing: Many Utahns are feeling the effects of the affordable housing crisis. Unfortunately, this is an issue that is plaguing families nationwide. Even with budgeting attempts, astronomical rent prices have made it difficult to strike the balance between groceries, rent and utilities. 

Racism and discrimination: As previously noted, racism can play a significant role in perpetuating childhood hunger. Due to issues like redlining and food deserts in communities where there are high concentrations of Blacks, Native Americans and Latinos, many of the children in these communities have trouble accessing healthy and nutritious food on a regular basis.

Children are particularly vulnerable during the summer months not only because school subsidized food programs aren’t in operation, but also because the volume of donations that pantries and food banks receive decrease during this time. People are more likely to donate during holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving.

To help combat these difficulties, multiple organizations across the county are hosting summer food drives and programs to help families and children eat, who are otherwise struggling to put food on the table.

For those needing food and meal services, the Utah Food Bank is a good place to begin. For children in particular, the Kids Café program extends its services into summer. With a goal of providing over 400,000 meals, the Kids Café program will be available at over 75 locations in multiple counties. Children are able to eat in locations that are near their home. These locations include parks, libraries and community centers. Children must be physically present at the Kids Café location during serving times. To learn more about Kids Café, visit their page at www.utahfoodbank.org/2024/05/28/ensuring-utah-kids-have-access-to-nutritious-meals-when-school-is-out-2/.

To see Kids Café locations visit www.utahfoodbank.org/summermeals/.

For other information, including access to an emergency food pantry, supplemental food programs like SNAP EBT and WIC (Women, Infants & Children) or information on statewide programs, the local nonprofit organization Utahns Against Hunger, has compiled a comprehensive list of resources at their webpage: www.uah.org/get-help/emergency-food.

While many food banks and pantries are subsidized and sponsored by government funding, donations remain crucial to their continued success. Here in Utah over 60% of food is sourced from community donations. To learn about donations, food drop-off locations or fundraising for the Utah Food Bank, visit www.utahfoodbank.org/summer/.

The food bank has also partnered with Harmons Grocery stores across the state, allowing shoppers to conveniently donate at check out.

Finally, for those facing food insecurity, but are struggling to justify visiting pantries and/ or participating in programs, a quick and complete list of statewide summer meal sites is available, no questions asked, by texting “FOOD” to 304-304.  λ