Summer break begins this week for most students in the D.C. area. The closure leaves a looming mealtime gap for hundreds of children that could cause them to go hungry.
That鈥檚 why the Capital Area Food Bank鈥檚 summer meal program is already underway, said Alexis Lahr, the organization鈥檚 director of Family Government Nutrition Programs.
鈥淲e know summer is a particularly difficult time for kids because they lose access to those school meals,鈥� she said.
The food bank has already opened 17 sites in D.C., Virginia and Maryland where families with children 18 and under can show up and eat without pre-approval.
鈥淥ne of the great things of these open sites is there鈥檚 absolutely no eligibility requirements, no ID check,鈥� Lahr told 草莓传媒. 鈥淣othing is needed.鈥�
The menus are backed by kids with healthy options that parents want kids to eat.
鈥淪ome examples that kids really enjoy are healthy versions of chicken nuggets and little Lunchables-style pizzas for them,鈥� Lahr said. 鈥淏ut always with a whole-grain component and a fruit and vegetable alongside it.鈥�
Last summer, the food bank served more than 62,000 meals and snacks. It may be on track to surpass that, said Lahr.
鈥淪ummer is a really difficult time for families and we鈥檝e been seeing the need for food assistance not easing up,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 hope that this can be supportive for them.鈥�
The Capital Area Food Bank has a list of open lunch locations on .
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