Help Stop Summer Hunger for local kids

For many families, summer break means more time together and a break from daily routines. But for households facing food insecurity, it can also bring added stress as parents and caregivers work to replace the meals children normally receive at school.

When classes end, many families must provide at least 10 additional meals each week for every child in their household.

To help Stop Summer Hunger, donate here.

The challenge is increased as food pantries, no-cost markets, meal sites, and delivery programs across central and eastern North Carolina continue to respond to historic levels of hunger.

According to the latest research, more than 607,000 people across North Carolina lack consistent access to nutritious food, including more than 168,000 school-age children and teens. That means one in five children in our communities may not know where their next meal will come from.

Food Bank leaders say the crisis has been fueled by reductions in state and federal support programs, combined with rising costs for food, housing, and fuel.

Despite these challenges, a network of more than 700 local organizations is working to ensure children and families have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer.

Families seeking food assistance and community members interested in supporting local hunger-relief efforts can find available resources and ways to get involved here on their website.

ABC11 is proud to partner with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC on its Stop Summer Hunger campaign.