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CBS 11 News took a look at a program that makes sure those same kids don't go hungry in the summertime. It's called the Summer Food Program and it's sponsored by the Food Bank of Alaska. This year they are serving more kids than ever.
At the Mountain View Boys and Girls Club they serve a lot of meals to hungry children. It is one of more than a dozen sites sponsored by the Food Bank. They tell CBS 11 News they are feeding more hungry children than ever before.
"Last year we served about 10,000 meals and 18,000 snacks. This year we are expecting to serve 45,000 meals and 18,000 snacks. So a four-fold, five-fold increase," said Susannah Morgan of the Food Bank of Alaska.
In one sense that may sound like bad news, but the Food Bank calls it good. They are breaking the cycle of hunger by finding the children who are already in need
"The statistics are that out of every 100 kids who get free or reduced lunch during the school year, only seven of them get food during the summertime. So there are 93 kids out there for every 100 kids who need food assistance. So the increase is not that there's an increased need. It's that we are getting a little closer to closing that gap," said Morgan.
Most sites serve a breakfast, lunch and snack. Some are completely free, but others may require proof of low-income status. The Food Bank says the goal is to feed as many hungry kids as possible and to make it easier for others to do that too. They're offering to help people who already work with children to plow through the federal paperwork, so that they can serve free meals as well.
"So that's what the Food Bank's role is, to figure out those rules and make it simple for anyone who wants to feed kids during the summer," said Morgan.
If you'd like to learn more about summer food programs, you can
To contact Lauren, call 907-273-3186.
