Did you know throughout the Greater Atlanta area there are more than 350,000 kids at risk of going without one or more meals this summer? And that one in five kids in the U.S. today faces hunger? United Way of Greater Atlanta and community partners are working together to eliminate summer hunger for our children through Silence the Growl. You can help in this effort by saying, “Lunch is on Me,” and donating a meal by clicking here. $10 can feed 4 hungry kids a meal.
Since the start of Silence the Growl in 2014, the annual program has raised more than 181,000 meals. So far this year, Silence the Growl has raised more than 58,000 meals and is allowing children to take a break from school during the summer months and enjoy the things kids love to do: swimming, playing in the park, attending summer camps, and more! Help United Way meet the goal of 70,000 meals this year by donating here.
To check and see how the children are doing in your community and how many may be affected by hunger, United Way has created an easy way for you to learn more. Enter your zip code here to see how many children in your community face hunger. With one in five children across the nation who go hungry during the summer, you might be surprised at what you find. (And don’t forget to donate!)
If you know a family in need of help, Silence the Growl proudly partners with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services. Free, nutritious meals are available for children and teens 18 and younger at many locations throughout the nation during the summer while school is out of session. Use the Summer Meal mapping tool to locate a site where your child or someone you know can receive a free, healthy meal.
Georgia is also covered by a network of Feeding America member food banks that provide assistance throughout the state. To find your food bank by county, search here. Food banks do not distribute food directly to those in need of assistance; they provide food to over 2,000 agencies in communities throughout Georgia. You can find other helpful family resources here, or text the word “lunchtime” to 898211 for more family resources.
Now it’s up to you to help #SilencetheGrowl for children this summer and let them do what they do best—be kids. Visit www.silencethegrowl.org for more information.
