With the added costs of childcare and warm weather activities, summertime for parents isn’t always stress-free. Thankfully, Summer Alive (a partner program of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank) is here to help. By offering parents fresh food to keep their children’s bellies full, moms like Megan can rest assured their kids will have a happy, healthy summer.
“It takes a lot of stress off me. Especially during the summertime, when you have added the costs of a sitter and everything, to not worry about food on top of all that. You know you’re always going to get a balanced meal — fruits and vegetables and everything. My kids are big into those!”
Megan has received food assistance before, but this is her first time getting a box of fresh food like this. She’s excited to make so many nutritious meals for her family.
“I got sweet corn because I wanted to make corn on the cob and some chicken for dinner,” Megan explains. “Now, I don’t actually have to go out and buy the chicken because here it is! That frees up money for other needed items. The food is always a welcome help,” she says with a smile.
Another family benefitting from the Summer Alive food program is Allyssa’s. Allyssa works in the school system and temporarily loses income during the summer, which can be stressful.
“We only have one income during the summer months, so this summer feeding program helps a lot with getting healthy food for my family.” Allyssa is grateful for the summer program as it is “one less meal I had to worry about for my children. Thank you for this treat!”
Summer Program Information
Kids need healthy food to learn and grow. This summer, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank expects to serve 2,639 children each week at a summer feeding site. To locate a summer meal site near you, call 1.866.3.HUNGRY, 1.877.8.HAMBRE or call the Food Bank directly at 717-564-1700. You can also text FOOD to 877-877 or email info@centralpafoodbank.org.
Share A Lunch, End Summer Hunger Campaign Information
When school ends, so does access to free or reduced- price school meals. Join the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s Share a Lunch, End Summer Hunger Campaign. Every $10 donated, the cost of a takeout lunch, can help provide 60 nutritious meals. Click here and share your lunch.