For low-income children, the last bell of the school year signals the start of “summer hunger,” as they lose access to free school meals. This gap leaves families struggling to stretch tight grocery budgets and creates a spike in childhood food insecurity, which does more than cause physical discomfort. For growing children, a summer without consistent, nutritious food leads to measurable physical and emotional setbacks. 

To address this crisis, SVDP’s Good Harvest Community Kitchen has launched its largest-ever summer youth meal program. By expanding its network to include 35 new camp and recreation sites, Good Harvest will reach more children than ever before. This critical summer expansion comes on top of the year-round commitment to 50 community site partners.  

Annually, SVDP serves over one million meals a year for low-income children. By expanding access to summer meals, SVDP helps to protect children’s physical and mental health, preparing them to return to school ready to learn. Together, we are ensuring that no child faces an empty plate when school doors close.