While summer time is usually associated with free time filled with outdoor fun, for others, it can represent an increase of uncertainty and struggle.
During the school year, many students and families depend on the free or reduced meals provided for breakfast and lunch to meet nutritional needs. As the school year comes to an end and the season of summer starts, hunger quickly increases, leading to nearly 14 million children and their families worried about when or how they will get their next meal, (USA, 2025).
When children lack access to adequate nutrition during the summer months, they may experience significant mental and physical challenges. Nutrient deficiencies can hinder healthy growth and development, increase the risk of mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression, and negatively affect learning. As a result, many children may return to school less prepared academically, which can contribute to lower educational performance and achievement.
The Harvest Pack team sees an increase in meal-packing events at schools and faith-based groups during the spring months, in preparation for increased food insecurity during the upcoming summer. Many of our Hunger Heroes love to share the meals they pack with organizations dedicated to fighting childhood hunger through community connections and school partnerships. The connections our packing partners have in their local communities are instrumental in getting these nutritional meals where they do the most good. In their Twin Cities headquarters, Harvest Pack has committed an additional 1 million meals this summer to directly support summer meal programs.
Children deserve to have basic needs fulfilled in order to give them the foundation to focus on learning, growing, and having a successful start in life. With the support of volunteers like you, Harvest Pack has expanded its impact, helping communities across the region combat childhood food insecurity and ensure more children have access to the nourishment they need to thrive. Learn more about how you can help make an impact by visiting our website or by hosting a Harvest Pack event.
Resources
Closing the summer hunger gap: Exploring policies to combat childhood food insecurity :: Move for hunger. (2023, July 17). Moveforhunger.org. https://moveforhunger.org/blog/closing-summer-hunger-gap-exploring-policies-combat-childhood-food-insecurity
McDaniel, M. (2023, May 15). How summer hunger affects children. Feed the Children. https://www.feedthechildren.org/our-work/stories/how-summer-hunger-affects-children/
Roberts, X. (2024, February 29). Ending childhood summertime hunger through direct cash assistance - sanford journal of public policy. Sanford Journal of Public Policy. https://journal.sanford.duke.edu/article/ending-childhood-summertime-hunger-through-direct-cash-assistance/
USA, S. A. (2025, May 20). No Child Should Go Hungry - Especially Not in the Summer. The Salvation Army USA. https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/stories-old/no-child-should-go-hungry-especially-not-in-the-summer/
