For nearly two years, the pandemic has taken a toll on the well-being of families across the country. As a result, 1 in 6 children in our state may face food insecurity. Yet, through it all, groups of people like principals, teachers, bus drivers, school nutrition staff and members of community organizations have worked tirelessly to feed kids. In the face of ever-evolving challenges, these heroes continue to adopt innovative solutions to get children food through school and community meals, and ensuring that families have access to programs like SNAP and Pandemic EBT.
Washington state is lucky to have a broad network of hunger heroes. In Southwestern Washington, the Kelso School District implemented Breakfast After the Bell in additional schools this fall, to ensure that every student in the district has access to a nutritious morning meal. And last summer, the Summer Food Service Program reached more than 90,000 youth in our state during the summer months.
Meals and services reach kids and families only because of the dedicated and often-unseen heroes who work day in and day out. During this season of gratitude, we thank those behind the scenes feeding kids. Because of you, kids are more able to reach their full potential.
