Meals 4 Kids Helps Feed Children When School is Out

There is a lot of science connecting childhood hunger and lower performance in school. FeedingAmerica.org reports that not having enough food can have implications for academic achievement and future economic prosperity. Furthermore, they say research shows an association between food insecurity and delayed development in young children, risk of chronic illnesses, and behavioral problems like hyperactivity, anxiety, and aggression in school-age children.
 
According to NH Hunger Solutions, kids who miss breakfast can't focus on learning, miss more school, and are sick more often. What’s more, the advocates note that while 21 million kids in the U.S. get free or reduced lunch, only half get breakfast, even if they are eligible.
 
During school vacation weeks, children cannot access food at school, but families can shop at their choice of several Gather Meals 4 Kids market locations across the Seacoast. The Meals 4 Kids markets provide food to replace the five breakfasts and five lunches kids would typically receive weekly when school is in session. More than 500 children participate in M4K each week throughout the summer. Open to all school-age children, Meals 4 Kids ensures Seacoast children are food secure 365 days a year.
 
Recently Gather partnered with the Music Hall for its annual Fill the Hall food drive that benefits Meals 4 Kids. The fundraiser aims to fill all of the historic theater’s 895 seats with food while bringing awareness to food insecurity. Celebrating its 9th year, the recent event garnered more than 10,000 pounds of food and more than $28,000 in cash donations for Gather.