First National Hunger Awareness Day Slated for June 5

MEDIA ADVISORY

Start of summer means spike in food demand for low-income children who don't have access to the federally funded school breakfast and lunch program.

What:
America's Second Harvest, the nation's largest hunger-relief charity will sponsor the first-ever "National Hunger Awareness Day" on Wednesday June 5. Nationwide, America's Second Harvest 216 affiliates and their agencies will be conducting events and activities designed to bring attention to the increasing problem of hunger and solutions available on a community, state and national level.

Just when many American children - and their parents - look forward to a release from school and the start of summer vacation, many aren't so lucky. During the school year more than 15 million low-income children receive free or reduced price lunches through the USDA's National School Lunch Program, but only 3 million of those children continue to receive nutritious meals through the federal summer food program.

This summer will also be a three-month challenge for an increasing number of American children who's parents are among the almost two million people who lost jobs during 2001, or had their hours cut during the school year.

America's Second Harvest affiliates and agencies report dramatic increase in families seeking food assistance for their children in the summer than any other time.

When:
Wednesday, June 5, 2002

Where:
Nationwide -- The following are among the hundreds of activities scheduled on June 5 to highlight the increased demand for healthy meals, especially during school vacations. Each event is designed to encourage students, teachers, parents, business leaders, and community leaders to take action to end hunger in America by volunteering, hosting a food drive, making a financial gift, spreading the word.

The Tucson Community Food Bank kicks off its Summer Kids Cafe program.
A daylong agency conference at the food bank in Winston-Salem, NC as part of its 20th Anniversary Year.
A special lunch for 250 children/youth at a local Boys & Girls Club sponsored by Panera Bread and the Atlanta Community Food Bank.