Food insecurity rises for children during summer months

COLE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Nearly 255,000 children in Missouri face food insecurity, according to the not-for-profit Feeding America.

With the end of the school year, many of these children lose access to the meals provided at school, which are often their main source of daily nutrition.

"Many kids rely on school for breakfast and lunch," said Lee Knernschield, president of United Way of Central Missouri. "Once summer school ends, there's a real need to ensure that children have access to nutritious food. That's what makes this summer feeding program so crucial."

To address this need, United Way of Central Missouri is launching a kids' summer feeding program from July 1 through Aug. 16. All children under 18 are eligible for a free lunch.

Organizers say the need is real.

The Salvation Army’s Jefferson City food distribution center, which receives funding from the United Way, feeds and shelters more than 200 people daily, 10% of whom are children younger than 18 years old, according to Major Justin Windell, corps officer at the distribution center.

Windell noted that while the number of children needing assistance rises in the summer, donations tend to decrease as businesses, churches and individuals have less to give compared to the holiday season. On top of that, Windell said, funding authorized during the COVID-19 pandemic has almost run out.

Sites where children can access free meals are:

• Apache Manor Mobile Home Park, 5101 Business 50
• Church of God in Christ, 616 Locust St.
• Corner of Edmonds and Elizabeth Street
• Corner of Ventura Avenue and Candlelight Drive
• East Elementary School Parking Lot, 1229 E. McCarty St.
• Gray Fox Terrace