Feeding kids when parents, schools can't

**Linda Kelso** · 07-14-2011

Cobb County, Georgia (CNN) -- For many, summer means vacation, sports, camping or just time off to relax, but not for millions of kids living in poverty in the United States. There are few camps or beach trips for them, and sometimes not even three meals a day.

During the school year, public schools provide breakfast and lunch to millions of students in the United States. But when summer arrives, parents struggling to feed their children can no longer rely on those meals.

More than 21 million children receive free or reduced-price lunches at school. But in the summer, the number of kids participating in food programs drops to fewer than 3 million, despite efforts to raise awareness and increase community support, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.

To help fill that gap, one community in suburban Atlanta is delivering food -- and hope -- in brown paper bags.

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http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/07/12/edu...tml?hpt=hp_bn1

I personally know White children who, if there wasn't free or reduced lunch program costs during the school year, would probably go without an adequate lunch. That's really sad.

And during the Summer, they eat very cheap food.

**Carl Rogers** · 07-14-2011

When obtaining quality food for the children is a serious concern, it's also an indicator of how far down this country has slipped. We can do better than that. I know we can.

**Lascaux** · 07-14-2011

I personally know White children who, if there wasn't free or reduced lunch program costs during the school year, would probably go without an adequate lunch. That's really sad.

And during the Summer, they eat very cheap food.

Right, it's important that people realize that while the majority of children affected by this are most likely non-White, there is still a large number of White kids who's parents struggle to feed them 3 meals a day. Especially with the way the economy is now.

I wonder if there are statistics kept regarding this issue, it would be nice to know what parts of the country are affected the most and to what extent.

**Linda Kelso** · 07-14-2011

At my child's school, they have a form that asks if you're on Medicaid or any other Welfare/social services programs and if you're working. If you are (and can prove it), you qualify for either reduced cost (depending on your income) or free lunches.