Summer, that one glorious time of the year when the sun is out, popsicles are plentiful, and there are seemingly no worries. Most kids are embracing the time away from school, running around and being with friends outside the classroom. Others, however, feel much differently. For kids that are no longer receiving free or reduced cost meals at school, summer is the hungriest time of year. Some may even go a full two and a half months without a proper, nutritious meal.
In Addison County, Vermont, for example, 38% of students qualified for subsidized meals. The Summer Food Service Program, a nutrition program aimed to feed children who are categorized as hungry or food insecure, is working with Addison County's low-income families to ease the pressure of providing nutrious meals over the summer months. The USDA, the Vermont Agency of Education, the Agency of Human Services, and Hunger Free Vermont have teamed up to establish 18 sites that families can go to receive fresh, nutritous meals. 
Once a child under the age of 18 qualifies for the program, they can stop by any time without any forms or application. In addition to providing summer meals for these children, certain sites are also beginning to offer different activity programs that promote physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
To find programs like these in your area, click here!
