Summer Meal Finder Map: Where Kids Can Get Food In Santee

SANTEE, CA — As another school year comes to a close during the coronavirus pandemic, some parents in Santee might be wondering how they’re going to make up for the meals their kids lose when that final bell rings.

Summer is a trying time for millions of U.S. families. During the school year, more than 22 million kids rely on the National School Lunch program for free and reduced-price meals, according to Feeding America, one of the nation’s largest hunger relief organizations.

Yet during the summer months, only 4 million of those kids receive meals through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service program.

That’s a gap of nearly 18 million kids, many of whom aren’t sure where their meals will come from this summer.

Luckily, summer meal programs are in place to help fill those gaps in Santee.

At least two maps are available to help parents find summer meal sites nearSantee.

The USDA’s Meals for Kids Site Finder was established to help children, parents and others quickly and easily find summer meal sites near them. The site finder is a website that works on phones, tablets and computers. No app download is required.

The tool allows you to enter an address, city, state or ZIP code to find up to 50 nearby meal sites. Each listing also includes the site’s address, hours of operation, contact information and directions.

There are 24 summer meal sites within five miles of Santee, according to the tool.

Another helpful tool is available through No Kid Hungry, which last year launched a “free meals finder” map that makes it easy for families to find the closest meal distribution site.

The map, available in both English and Spanish, is updated daily to reflect new sites where struggling families can pick up a free meal.

More than a year into the coronavirus pandemic, millions of Americans are still facing food insecurity, according to Feeding America. Nationwide, food banks have seen a nearly 55 percent increase in use during the pandemic, and Feeding America estimates that as many as 42 million people could experience food insecurity in 2021.

An estimated 11.4 percent of people in San Diego County were expected to experience hunger in 2021 because of the pandemic, up from 9.2 percent in 2019, according to Feeding America.

However, food insecurity and real hunger don’t look the same.

In food-insecure households, parents often have to decide between buying groceries and paying their utility and other bills. They or older siblings may skip meals so younger kids can eat.

Some 13 million American children aren’t just food insecure. They’re suffering from real hunger. Real hunger is painful and can leave kids lightheaded and lethargic. When their brains aren’t fueled, they’re not ready to learn.

Hunger has severe long-term health consequences as well. Children who don’t get enough healthy foods are more at risk for chronic illnesses such as asthma and anemia, and they are also more likely to develop behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, anxiety and aggression.

Learn more about the dangers of childhood hunger on Feeding America’s website.

Other Ways To Find Summer Meals

Here are some other ways to find your nearest free meal site this summer, according to Feeding America:

• Text: You can find meal programs near you by texting the word FOOD to 877-877, thanks to our friends at No Kid Hungry. You’ll get a message with nearby locations. Data and message rates may apply.

• Call: Calling the USDA Hotline at 866-348-6479 is another way to find free summer food service programs in your area.

• Ask your local food bank: Search by ZIP code or state using the food bank locator and contact the food bank nearest you. Even if the food bank looks far away, it often works with meal programs closer to your home.

Feeding America serves 200 member food banks that serve and supply 60,000 food pantries, kitchens and meal programs around the country.

FIND FOOD
Find your local food bank

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READ
"The Impact of Coronavirus On Food Insecurity"

ACT
Take action against hunger

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2021, more than 42 million Americans won’t have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations.* Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.