Promote summer meal efforts

By Kevin Concannon

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Children need access to healthy food all year long, because good nutrition provides the sound foundation they need to learn, grow and thrive. As the U.S. Department of Agriculture's undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services, it pleases me to say that during the regular school year, America's schoolchildren can depend on the science-based nutrition provided by National School Lunch Program meals and the healthy choices now available at school.

But when school is out during the summer months, it's another story. Many kids don't have access to even one nutritious meal a day.

USDA's summer meals programs work to reach those children by providing free, nutritious meals at sites throughout the nation. Unfortunately, millions of eligible low-income children are still missing out. Although about 21 million children nationwide receive free and reduced-priced meals through the National School Lunch Program during the regular school year, only about 3.5 million kids are reached through our summer meals programs.

Job one is to make sure that eligible children get information about the program. Summer meal sites are located in many communities across the country, especially in low-income areas. USDA needs your help to get the word out and connect eligible kids with summer meals. Schools, community groups, and religious organizations can help with this effort.

To find a summer meal site serving children in your community, call 1-(866) 3-Hungry or 1-(877) 8-Hambre, or visit the National Hunger Clearinghouse resource directory.

If your organization is interested in helping us get the word out about summer meals, please visit www.summerfood.usda.gov, for more information and resources.

You can help other ways, too. While providing children with nutritious meals is our top priority, the key to success is keeping kids coming back to the sites throughout the summer. Offering fun, age-appropriate physical activity at summer meal sites is a proven way to ensure attendance and encourage healthy habits. And that takes volunteers - LOTS of them - especially in June, July and August. Volunteers can help with basics, such as transporting food, setting up or cleaning up a site.

Volunteers also can plan and lead educational or recreational activities with the children. Go to www.serve.gov/endhunger to find an opportunity to volunteer in your community or to post a volunteer opportunity.

l U.S. Agriculture Undersecretary Kevin Concannon served as director, Iowa Department of Human Services, from 2003-08. For information about sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program in Iowa, call (515) 281-4760, or visit www.educateiowa.gov