#USA #Washington, D.C. #No Kid Hungry #Lorena García #Eugenio Derbez

Stars Unite to Combat Summer Hunger for Latin Families

As summer rolls around, children should be embracing joy and freedom, but for many, especially in Latin communities, it also brings the looming shadow of hunger. For these families, school meals, a crucial source of nutrition, disappear until the new school year begins. This summer, No Kid Hungry is launching a campaign aimed at alleviating this crisis by connecting families with essential food resources.

The initiative boasts the support of notable public figures who resonate deeply with the Latin community. Chef Lorena García, actress and former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres, and actor and producer Eugenio Derbez are stepping up to raise awareness about the food programs available to families during the summer. Through a series of public service announcements, social media efforts, and interviews, they are urging families to visit NoKidHungry.org/Ayuda, the summer resource hub established to help families navigate food access.

A Call to Action

Lorena García emphasizes the importance of food, stating, "Food is more than just sustenance; it's a source of joy, connection, and community. I’m excited to contribute my part to ensure that every child has the happy summer they deserve." Her words reflect the mission of No Kid Hungry, which seeks to underscore that no child should grow hungry in the U.S.

Dayanara Torres also shares her perspective as a mother, recognizing the burdens many families face during summer months. She asserts, "These new programs represent a historic expansion to child summer nutrition across most of the country. I’m proud to join No Kid Hungry to inform families about the assistance available. Our children deserve to grow up strong and healthy."

Eugenio Derbez highlights the challenges faced by families, noting how the lack of school meals during the summer creates significant hurdles. He states, "For many families, summer is a daunting challenge. When children leave school, they lose their access to meals, and with rising food prices, it can be hard to make ends meet. I’m joining No Kid Hungry to spread the word and ensure families know that help is available. Kids deserve a joyful summer."

Major Legislative Changes

A significant driver behind this initiative is bi-partisan legislation passed in 2022, supported by No Kid Hungry. The new law allows children in more communities to receive summer meals, which includes home delivery services or meal pick-up options, especially in rural areas where transportation is a barrier. Additionally, eligible families can now benefit from the Summer EBT or Sun Bucks program, receiving $120 per school-aged child to assist in purchasing food during the summer. This year, over 37 states, Washington DC, five territories, and five tribal nations plan to provide Summer EBT.

Before this expansion, only 2.8 million children had access to summer meals. However, in its first year of implementation, the program predicted that more than 18 million children would benefit from Summer EBT in 2024. No Kid Hungry envisions expanding this program to all 50 states in the coming years, working tirelessly to ensure that both Summer EBT benefits and rural meals reach more families. Their goal is to extend support to 31 million children across the U.S.

Collaborative Efforts

No Kid Hungry is partnering with organizations such as the Arby’s Foundation, Dollar Tree, HelloFresh, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and Williams-Sonoma, Inc. to broaden access to nutritious meals for all children, not just over the summer but throughout the year.

In summary, No Kid Hungry is making strides toward ending childhood hunger in America, and with the backing of beloved figures from the Latin community, they are poised to make a significant impact this summer. They are committed to ensuring that every child has the nourishment they need to thrive, reinforcing that hunger should not exist in a nation as prosperous as the United States. To support this cause or learn more, visit NoKidHungry.org.

Media Contact

For more information, please contact Mariana Joyal at [email protected]