For school-aged children, weekends are a time to play and unwind, catching up with friends, family and the latest cartoons. But, for kids who rely on school meals or lunches, weekends can also be a time of hunger.
In Contra Costa and Solano counties more than 45,000 children experience food insecurity, according to Feeding America’s annual Map the Meal Gap study. That’s why with your support the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano launched a new program this fall to connect K-12 youth and kids with tasty, easy-to-prepare foods they can take with them to eat while away from the classroom.
Kids Nutrition on Weekends – or K-NOW – Packs provide enough food for two breakfasts, two lunches and two snacks over the weekend. A sample pack might include:
- 2 cereal bowls
- 2 milks
- 2 fruit cups
- 2 100% juice boxes
- 2 snack items
- 2 pop-top entrees
The program is rolling out first in schools that are already partnering with the Food Bank on other child-focused programs like Farm 2 Kids and the School Pantry program. Guidance counselors at each school will identify students experiencing food insecurity and discretely distribute food before they leave for the weekend.
In the first year, we’re aiming to distribute 60,000 packs to students.
Want to learn more about how you can help fight hunger in your community? Sign up for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano’s email newsletter.
