DID YOU KNOW: In Brevard County, the number of children in the free and reduced-price meal program exceeds 50%? Some elementary schools have 80% or more of their kids on the free and reduced-price meal program with many of them at risk of childhood hunger and malnutrition. Childhood hunger leads to a weaker immune system, difficulty in learning and paying attention in class, and behaving properly to retain what they learn. Hungry kids are sick more often and have lower academic achievement. Additionally, under-nutrition, along with environmental factors associated with poverty can permanently slow and/or reduce physical growth, brain development, and cognitive functioning.

For more than 10 years, The Children’s Hunger Project, through volunteer efforts and donations, has provided weekend meals for these struggling families. As a result, Brevard county students have benefited from the meals provided by the Children’s Hunger Project by seeing improved school attendance, better test scores, improved reading skills, positive behavior, and improved health.