END SUMMER HUNGER 2024

Summer should be a time for children to enjoy playtime with friends, a week at camp, a family vacation, or time at the pool.

For many children in Gwinnett County, summer can bring about hunger. During these months, parents often face the challenge of paying for childcare while they work, along with the added expense of providing daytime meals for their children at home. Some kids who receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year may go without food during the summer break. The End Summer Hunger Program, initiated by the North Gwinnett Co-Op, aims to ensure that children on summer break have enough to eat when school meals are not available.

Research shows that summer learning loss is closely linked to summer nutrition. On average, it costs $1,540 per student to re-teach low-income students after the summer break. However, by maintaining adequate nutrition, children can better focus, have the mental strength to participate in summer reading programs, and fully engage in other summer activities. The North Gwinnett Co-Op addresses this challenge by providing families with nutritious food at no cost.

This yearly campaign unites local businesses, organizations, schools, and individuals to raise funds to provide extra food for families. Running from May to August, the fundraising campaign seeks to collect donations that enable the provision of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and nutritious snacks suitable for children. Historically, students participating in the Family Food Program have achieved higher academic outcomes than the national average, reflecting the program's positive impact.

Throughout June and July, families with children receive groceries twice a month.

Last year, the Co-Op distributed over 80,000 pounds of food during these two months.