“I always make sure that [my son] gets fed first before I get fed…he’s a growing boy. [Hunger] will affect him and his learning, his school, and his activity level,” Rosalie said.

Summer officially begins on June 20th, but for many, summer began right after the final school bell.

Some kids will gather to roast hot dogs over an open campfire, others will share watermelons at 4th of July celebrations, and more will gather with their families to dine on sandwiches and lemonade at riverside picnics.

For the 45% of students in Hays County who rely on the free and reduced school meal program, summer can be much less “filling.”

In 2016, Hays County Food Bank saw an increase in need during the summer. Approximately 1,500 more were provided with food last August than in the average months of the rest of the year.

The food bank’s annual ‘Lend A Hand’ summer campaign, which lasts from June 1st to July 31st, aims to raise awareness about hunger in Hays County and collect monetary donations in order to combat hunger all year long.

Mothers like Michelle, whose daughter benefits from the school meal program, should never have to worry about their child going hungry. Children require proper nutrition in order to grow, which means they need three healthy meals every day.

Food that she receives from the food bank has helped provide her daughter with these much needed nutrients. Michelle says, “[The doctors] say she’s keeping up with her age level. She’s not underweight or malnourished.”

Rosalie, another food bank client, has had to make the difficult choice between food and bills. She lost her job and struggled to make ends meet.

She first visited a food bank distribution in March of this year. She says, “I always make sure that [my son] gets fed first before I get fed…he’s a growing boy. [Hunger] will affect him and his learning, his school, and his activity level.” Rosalie knows the importance of providing well-balanced meals for her son.

Kids are meant to enjoy their childhood and not worry about empty pantries.

Regardless of the time of year, everyone deserves to eat.

If you would like to fight hunger, donate now at haysfoodbank.org/donate_funds.aspx or mail a check or cash to 220 Herndon Street, San Marcos, TX 78666.

In 2016, Hays County Food Bank and its 20 + partner agencies distributed 679,456 pounds of food to an average of 8,500 food insecure residents each month. These residents were senior citizens, children, and many others facing economic challenges. “Food insecurity” refers to the availability of food and one’s access to it.

Hays County Food Bank is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit haysfoodbank.org or visit us on Facebook or Twitter at @HaysFoodBank.