Islamic Relief USA partners with organization for summer feeding

MARRERO - Islamic Relief USA, a non-profit humanitarian and advocacy organization, has awarded more than $100,000 in grants to seven organizations throughout the country to help feed kids during the summer, as part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service Program.

Among them is the D & R Community and Youth Institute, located at 5214 4th St.

Summers can be a time of mixed emotions. On the one hand, many kids are on vacation and get to enjoy the warm weather by playing with friends and spending time with family. What is less known is that many children also experience hunger, or at the very least, food insecurity. That’s because they lack access to nutritious lunches they would have received while attending school. Fortunately, with the grants provided by Islamic Relief USA, children under the age of 18 who come from low-income households that qualify for free or reduced-price lunch will continue to have access to a nutritious mid-day meal during their summer breaks, thanks to summer lunch programs that are being provided by various organizations, houses of worship, and other entities.

“Every year, Islamic Relief USA looks to support underprivileged young people and families through our summer feeding grant program,” said Naeem Muhammad, U.S. programs manager for Islamic Relief USA. “There are so many children receiving at least one meal during the school year. We continue that service during the summer. These grants, in coordination with the sites of the program, make it possible to continue providing nutritious meals to those kids during their summer vacations, and they also provide communities some peace of mind. We are committed to continuing this program in the future.”

More than 22 million children and teens receive free or reduced-price lunches during the school year through the National School Lunch Program, according to the USDA. However, as of last year, only one out of those six kids participated in the summer meals programs, increasing the likelihood of them going hungry.

Inadequate nutrition can have a devastating impact in the lives of children. Hunger can affect brain development and makes it more difficult for them to concentrate and learn in school, putting them at risk for chronic health issues and performing poorly on achievement tests.

The USDA, which encourages summer meal programs like the ones supported by Islamic Relief USA, recommends that healthy lunches include fresh fruits, whole grains, colorful vegetables, proteins such as lean meats, and low-fat dairy products.