For most children, summer is a time of fun. But for children who don’t have food at home, this time of year can present significant challenges, including long days without enough to eat. In all of North Texas, one in four children is food insecure. This means that around 300,000 children in the D-FW area are starving. The Dallas Morning News charities’ summer feeding campaign is working to change that.
The campaign was launched four years ago and runs every summer (this year ends on July 7th) and raises funds to support nine regional nonprofits that offer summer feeding programs to provide hungry children with enough food for the summer months supply.
One of those supported nonprofits is Mission Oak Cliff: With 50% more food available and support this year, the organization’s summer feeding program has done more than ever, including providing food and meals for two weeks twice a month to families in need.
The primary goal of Mission Oak Cliff’s summer feeding program is sustainability and self-sufficiency – in other words, helping families until they are able to feed themselves. The program is expanded each year through word of mouth and often reaches families unaware of resources like Mission Oak Cliff.
“Many new families mention that they have never used pantries before and they didn’t know there was so much help out there,” says managing director Kevin Pranoto.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, summer is an especially critical time for families struggling with financial instability as children can no longer rely on free school lunches.
Pranoto says they are working to reduce stress and take the load off the shoulders of parents, especially single mothers. “It is touching to see the shock on parents’ faces when they see how much food they are getting,” he says. “Many single mothers come with tears in their eyes and are grateful for our summer program.”
To fight hunger and support the work of Mission Oak Cliff, please consider searching for volunteer opportunities or make a donation to the Dallas Morning News Charities’ summer feeding campaign. You can help children enjoy their summer vacation with programs that provide the nourishment children need to refuel, rest, and most importantly, play.
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