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Naperville
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Loaves & Fishes: Keeping Kids Healthy

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Summer is in full swing, and you can hear the laughter and excitement from children as they shed their backpacks for more carefree days of playing in the summer sun. This is an exciting time for most, but not for all. Summer is a challenging time for families struggling with food insecurity. Millions of families in this country will lose the school meal programs they depend on, and they are now responsible for providing three square meals a day for the children in their household.

Access to healthy food is crucial for the health and well-being of low-income families. Hunger can have long-term effects on children, making it difficult to learn, grow, and socially connect with other kids their age. Research has shown that young children in food insecure households are at increased risk for hospitalizations, developmental delays, iron deficiency, and poor health.

The concept of eating healthy may seem straightforward and attainable for most of us, but for a family who is financially struggling, or food insecure, it is a daily struggle. This weight increases exponentially when you add the current pressures of inflation, which can often force a family to choose between buying healthy food or inexpensive filler food.

The good news is that many of us are working together to ensure children in our community have proper nutrition. Loaves & Fishes is currently providing healthy food to 1,500 children each week so they can stay physically and mentally healthy. During these challenging times – it’s never been more important. You can help by participating in our Father’s Day Virtual Food Drive; if you need help, we’re here for you.

More information can be found at www.loaves-fishes.org.

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Joni Wiltz
Joni Wiltzhttps://www.loaves-fishes.org
Joni Wiltz is the Director of Marketing & Communications for Loaves & Fishes Community Services. Contact her at jwiltz@loaves-fishes.org. If you would like to learn more about Loaves & Fishes, please visit our website at www.loaves-fishes.org.

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