For school-aged children, summer is the most sought-after time of year: freedom to play outside, go to bed late, and spend time with friends and family outside of a chaotic daily school routine. But for many caregivers and parents, summertime presents its own sets of challenges. For over 36% of families residing in the Upper Perkiomen Valley, when school ends, so does consistent access to free breakfast and lunch programs, like the National School Lunch Program, that keep kids fed and ready to learn. What can feel like a carefree season of fun and activity to kids can feel like a major financial strain for households already struggling to make ends meet in the midst of continuously increasing food and utility prices.
With 2026 being my tenth year involved in this program, I find this is where our Summer Kids Meal Program truly meets families where they are. The program operates within a model that brings healthy food to sites easily accessible to children and families, as well as bridges the nutritional gap that becomes evident in the summer months. As a community, this gives us an opportunity to not only help families during the holidays or in crisis, but to provide them with support in seasons that quietly place a heavy burden on Valley families.
Data alone tells us:
· Research from the USDA found that households living near summer meal sites experience food insecurity at dramatically higher rates than the national average. Nearly 45% of households with children near summer meal sites were considered food insecure, compared to roughly 14% nationally among households with children.
· In 2024, the Food Research & Action Center reported that participation in summer meal programs increased by more than 350,000 children nationwide compared to the previous summer. Lunch participation exceeded pre-pandemic levels, and more than 21 million children received support through the new Summer EBT program, known as SUN Bucks.
· This seasonal increase in hunger is often referred to as “summer hunger,” and its effects extend beyond an empty stomach. Studies have linked childhood food insecurity to poorer physical health, difficulty concentrating, increased anxiety, behavioral challenges, and declines in academic performance when students return to school in the fall.
These trends are undeniable. What additionally remains clear is that summer meal programs are far more than seasonal charity efforts. They are an essential public health and educational support system. When children have consistent access to nutritious food, families experience less stress, communities see improved health outcomes, and students return to school more prepared to learn. Since 2020, we have served more than 71,500 summer meals in The Upper Perkiomen Valley, helping to close the hunger gap and fueling children with the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and thrive.
Our 2026 Summer Kids Meal Program (SKMP) begins on Monday, June 15, and ends on Friday, August 21, just before school starts. Each week, we'll alternative deliveries at 5 Valley area stops. Each child 18 and under may receive 2 free breakfasts and 2 free lunches per visit, and up to 8 free meals per week!
Our community partners are crucial in supporting the boots-on-the-ground work that makes this program possible. It takes a dedicated team of community volunteers, sponsors, and donors to make the Summer Kids Meals Program a success. Whether that means donating to our annual campaign, packing lunch bags, or delivering meals to the lunch sites, this program wouldn’t be possible without YOU!
Get Involved
Have questions about SKMP? Contact me at nutrition@theopenlink.org.
Interested in volunteering with SKMP? Contact Katherine Foster, Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteers@theopenlink.org.
Our Valley kids depend on your support to have a happy and healthy summer free. Give now to ensure that ALL Valley kids can access consistent and nutritious meals this summer!
