In Brevard County, the number of children in the free and reduced-price meal program exceeds 60% of student enrollment. 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.

When we talk about the risk of childhood hungere, we base it on the fact the lunch program available in public schools across the country has been recognized as the key indicator of hunger risk and poverty in a geographic area by government agencies and various charities.

Childhood hunger can have lasting effects, leading 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.

Brevard County Public Schools  provide a free breakfast plus a healthy lunch through

the program during the week. Hunger doesn’t stop with the school bell Friday afternoon. Kids are also hungry on the weekends and school breaks, and food is critical to build a strong foundation for learning and academic success.

The Children’s Hunger Project provides weekend meals and fights childhood hunger and malnutrition during the school year.

Teachers and school administrators on the front line of caring for our children during the week, know firsthand the weekend hunger problem their students experience.

• Under-nutrition along with environmental factors associated with poverty can permanently hinder physical growth, brain development, and cognitive functioning.
• The longer a child’s nutritional, emotional, and educational needs go unmet, the greater the likelihood of cognitive impairment that can last a lifetime.
• Economically disadvantaged children who attend school hungry perform significantly below non-hungry low-income peers on standardized test scores.

We often generously give to charities feeding children in those countries. It is time we address childhood hunger in our own back yard.

The time is right to address the local problem of childhood hunger and malnutrition

By addressing this problem, The Children’s Hunger Project is responsible for positive results in children including:

• Improved attendance
• Better test scores
• Improved reading skills
• Positive behavior
• Improved health

Kids are also hungry on the weekends.  Food is the foundation for school success.