#USA #Washington #No Kid Hungry #School Meals #Latin families

The Lifeline of School Meals for Latin Families

As the new school year begins, many Latin families across the United States are grappling with tough decisions regarding food for their children. A recent survey conducted by No Kid Hungry sheds light on the pressing issues faced by these families, particularly during the summer holidays when access to nutritious food can be uncertain. The findings reveal that one in three families is worried about how to feed their children, highlighting the integral role of school meals as a safety net.

Financial Struggles Amid Rising Costs

The survey indicates a troubling trend: nearly 40% of parents report that their financial situation has worsened compared to last year. This situation is especially dire for Latin parents, where 34% reported job loss in their households, and 42% stated their financial condition has deteriorated recently. Consequently, many families are forced to make hard decisions, such as prioritizing emergency bills over purchasing healthy food. For Latin families, the fear of running out of food during the summer break is a reality for over a third of respondents.

One Latin parent expressed the urgency for help: "My child might go hungry at school because we don't have the income to buy lunch, and that will likely affect his concentration."

The Importance of School Meals

When school resumes, it brings not only new supplies but also reliable meals that are vital for children’s development and education. Parents report that school meals significantly enhance their children's focus and performance in the classroom. A striking 77% of Latin parents noted that their children struggle to concentrate when hungry, while 85% acknowledge that school meals help improve their children’s attention spans and performance.

On a national level, three out of five parents confirm that these meals motivate regular school attendance and even encourage participation in extracurricular activities. The role of school meals extends beyond mere nutrition; they serve as a buffer against financial and emotional stress, allowing parents to focus on supporting their children.

Reducing Stress for Families

With the back-to-school season comes additional expenses for items like clothing and supplies. Over half of the parents express concerns about these costs, and 67% of Latin parents are worried that food prices will continue to rise throughout the year. To counter this, school breakfast and lunch programs provide essential nutritional support, especially for children whose families may struggle without free or reduced-price meal options.

A significant 60% of parents across the nation believe that school meal programs are invaluable for their families and critical for ensuring their children receive the nutrition they require. This sentiment rings even truer for Latin parents, 46% of whom believe that without these programs, their children might go without meals at school on some days.

One Latin parent emphasized the necessity of these programs, stating, "My child would struggle in school and in his overall progress... I would have to work longer hours."

Hope Amidst Challenges

As George Kelemen, Senior Vice President of Programs, Campaigns, and Advocacy for Share Our Strength, poignantly remarks, "Back-to-school is a time of hope for children but also stress for many Latin families. When kids can rely on school meals, everyone benefits. It brings stability to working parents managing the stress of rising costs."

With nearly one in four children in Latin households experiencing hunger, No Kid Hungry collaborates with schools and communities to strengthen meal programs. The 2023-2024 school year saw these efforts successfully provide more than 374 million meals to children and families nationwide.

This school year, No Kid Hungry is partnering with about 20 participating brands, including Arby's Foundation, Jack in the Box, Ben's Original™, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and Wingstop, to further enhance meal availability and support.

To delve into the complete survey findings, you can access a detailed analysis on their blog.

In conclusion, No Kid Hungry believes that no child should go hungry in the United States, and through robust programs and community partnerships, they work tirelessly to ensure every child has access to the healthy food they need to thrive.