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13 million children in the United States live with hunger today.

Summer has traditionally been the hungriest time for kids because many of the meals they receive in school disappear.

In the towns along the border of southwest Virginia and northeast Tennessee, the situation is especially challenging for families, but thanks to changes in policy, organizations are able to step up in a moment of crisis.

In the border towns of Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, summer is especially challenging for kids. But thanks to new policies, we have the chance to change that.

How We’re Ending Summer Hunger

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For a lot of kids and families, the old model just didn't work. In rural communities, there often aren't sites anywhere near where the kids are. Parents are working and can't get their kids to the sites, the weather can be hot or rainy.

Lisa DavisSenior Vice President of the No Kid Hungry campaign

Families Making Sacrifices to Make Ends Meet

The Challenge of Distance

“Closest supermarket's probably 20 minutes away and that's just a little old gas station.”

Daniel RoseDad in Virginia

“My vehicle is broke down. If you don't have a vehicle, it is hard to get food for your kids...Rogers was the closest [grocery store]and it's about an hour drive from here.”

Melinda JohnsonMom in Tennessee

[We are] able to drop off meals for the entire week to families that need this food. They depend on this food.

Rhonda ChafinExecutive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee

Thanks for being relentless to get this passed for us because as you can tell by our numbers, it's really made a difference in the kids we can feed during the summer.

Howard Chafin

The Stories Behind the Numbers

13 million children in the United States live with hunger. Kids and families near you are struggling.

But you have the power to end summer hunger for kids. With your support we can help children, families and communities.

Stories That Help Feed Kids