Summer vacation is an exciting time for children to enjoy freedom from school and embrace carefree days filled with fun and adventure. However, for some, especially single-parent households, summer break means losing access to the reliable and nutritious meals previously received during the school year. Food insecurity becomes an even more pressing issue, making it crucial to address the gap and continue food rescue efforts during the summer months. As schools begin to let out, stressors like finding childcare or replacements for school-provided lunches weigh on parents in our community.
Food insecurity remains a persistent problem locally affecting 1 in 5 Pittsburghers, including children. During the school year, school meal programs play an important role in providing nourishment to children in need. However, when summer arrives, these programs often pause, leaving vulnerable kids without a dependable source of food and an extra burden for their families.
Proper nutrition is vital for healthy development. When children lack access to nutritious meals during summer vacation, it can have profound consequences on their overall well-being. With your involvement this summer, we can bridge the gap and ensure that kids are receiving the food they need for optimal growth and development.
Food rescues, especially Home Deliveries, play a big role in addressing food insecurity and reducing food waste simultaneously.
When more people volunteer as Food Rescue Heroes this summer, we can maximize the impact on our community, ensuring that no child goes hungry during the summer months.
Summer vacation should be a time of joy. By elevating food rescue efforts during the summer, we can make a significant impact on the lives of children in need. Let us come together as a community, extend a helping hand, and make sure that no child goes without a nutritious meal during their well-deserved break. 412 Food Rescue hopes to make sure everyone has the necessary resources to provide regular healthy meals for themselves and their family, even when schools are out.
Together, we can work towards a future where no child or parent has to worry about where their next meal will come from.
Join the solution:
Download the 412 Food Rescue app and become a volunteer!
By downloading the 412 Food Rescue app and volunteering your time, you can directly contribute to delivering surplus food to those in need. Food Rescues and Home Deliveries are available for volunteers to claim 7 days a week. Check out our previous blog post “Delivering Hope: Volunteering with Home Delivery” to learn more about this special program. If you already have our app downloaded, consider turning on notifications so you can be alerted when food rescues are available near you.
Donate to sustain our program and outreach efforts
Your financial support sustains and expands 412 Food Rescue’s food recovery and delivery programs, enabling more food insecure households to receive regular, healthy meals. Visit our donation page to make a contribution or learn more about other ways to give.
We can make a difference in the lives of single parents and their children, alleviating food insecurity and fostering a community of support. Join the movement that is creating a future where no food is wasted, and all children and families have access to regular healthy meals.
Great local resources to share:
Free Store Braddock: 420 Braddock Ave Braddock, PA 15104
Tuesday, Thursday 11-1pm, Saturday 10-12pm
East End Cooperative Ministries (EECM): Free community lunches are served Monday to Friday, 12pm-1pm in the dining room. Food Pantry available Monday to Friday 9:30am to 11:30am and 1pm to 3pm
