HFPCC: Childhood Hunger

In Pierce County, 1 in 6 people are unsure of where their next meal will come from, but for children at risk of going hungry the number is closer to 1 in 4 kids. More than 50,000 children rely of free school breakfast and lunch programs to provide foundational nutrition each week. By increasing access to fresh, nutritious food, we have the ability to not only help families meet their basic needs but also positively influence health and scholastic outcomes.

Summer Meals

Children relying on free school breakfast and lunch programs to supply foundational daily nutrition during the school year are at greater risk of going hungry over the summer break. Currently, 80% of eligible children do not access free summer lunch programs in our community, due to lack of transportation and awareness. HFPCC is working to increase the number of meal sites and to reach places where children live (low-income apartment complexes, low-income rural areas, etc.) to increase access to free summer lunches and snacks for kids in need. 

 

Power Packs

As with Summer Meals, children relying on free school meals are also at risk of going hungry on the weekend and over school breaks when these programs are not available. Hungry children suffer from health issues, are more likely to be ill/absent from school and have difficulty concentrating in class. Power Packs are supplemental food packs, featuring child-friendly food items, that go home on Fridays with children at greatest risk of going hungry over the weekend.