WMCAP is seeking funding to address the health and wellness of youth during the summer by operating summer feeding sites in Morgan County. The summer feeding program provides hot nutritious meals Monday-Friday to children ages 1-18. In addition to the hot meals, if available WMCAP intends to provide shelf stable meals for the children to take home on Fridays that include two breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners.

The significant need for the summer feeding program is demonstrated by high levels of poverty in the area and the high need for food in the community, with both leading to health issues associated with poor nutrition. In the most recent community needs assessment completed by WMCAP, food and food access were identified as the top need in the county. According to school data over 60% of children in the Morgan Local School District are eligible for free and reduced school lunches. Nutrition.gov points out that poor nutrition can lead to many health related issues, including but not limited to, obesity, diabetes, and digestive issues.

The summer feeding program provides free hot nutritious lunches to help children get the nutrition they need to learn, play and grow throughout the summer vacation period when they do not have access to school breakfasts or lunches; which for many children account for the principal meal of the day. Lack of proper meals and poor nutrition during the summer months may set up a cycle of poor performance once the school year begins and may make children more prone to illnesses and other health-related issues. Research shows that children who do not receive proper nutrition in the summer months begin school six months behind their peers.

Programs like this one recognize that many factors contribute to a child’s success. When students do not have their basic needs met, everything else becomes difficult or impossible, and their long term health suffers.

This program helps children in meeting their most basic needs over the summer months.