Summer Sun and Fighting Hunger

Every few days we are allowed a brief moment of hope and anticipation that summer will eventually arrive. May is almost upon us and while we are cautiously eyeing that box in the attic labeled "shorts and tank tops," we still know we mustn't stow away gloves and boots quite yet. We look forward to summer because the weather is accommodating and we can move our lives outdoors for a few months.

I recently read an article by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) stressing another aspect of summer other than enjoyment: food insecurity. This happens when families are unsure of how they will eat during the summer. Childhood obesity and hunger are two conditions heightened during the summer because of the challenges faced by families with low incomes. Two reasons for this are a lack of exercise and poor nutritional habits. Because children of poorer homes are often left alone during the day because both parents work, they fall prey to these issues with greater regularity than families who have at least one parent or caregiver at home with the children.

During the school year, children are provided with food, snacks, and regular exercise. This is not always the case during the summer. So while many of us are excited about the prospects of a few months' respite, it is a wholly different experience for others. Those long summer days that stretch and run together into endless moments of warmth and recreation can also feel like a prison sentence to others.

Low-income parents and their children can fall into cycles of food deprivation and overeating, which FRAC defines as the practice of skipping meals to stretch finances and then overeating to compensate. This is a dangerous practice that contributes to potential health problems for both parent and child. We believe it is crucial to the physical and emotional well-being of children to have adequate and nutritious meals during the summer.

Families have always been a top priority for Samaritan House and we will always fight to provide an environment that seeks to help children when their parents are unable to produce the proper nutritional requirements and sustenance needed. Your donations are an important part of this process. Because of your investment into what we do, we are able to provide meals every day for those in need.

And we all know its easier to enjoy the summer when your belly is full.