A couple weeks ago I shared with you why childhood hunger is such a serious concern in the summer months. When school isn’t in session, many kids lose their access to the free or reduced price meals they get throughout the year. Thanks to organizations like the ConAgra Foods Foundation, taking steps to battle childhood hunger is within reach.
Remember this video from my first post? As part of the Hunger-Free Summer campaign and through a partnership with Kid President, ConAgra Foods is committed to donate the monetary equivalent of one meal to Feeding America, up to two million meals¹ each time this video is viewed. That’s right: simply view, like or share this video to help out kids in need this summer.
For more information on this campaign or for more ideas on how to support happy and healthy summers for kids everywhere, check in on all the posts pinned to the A Childlike Summer board. I’m proud to have teamed up with The Motherhood, ConAgra Foods and some super bloggers to create this collection of ways we can all work to make these sunny months a time of joy and play for everyone. Check out the board and follow along!
The resources above are fantastic as you explore ways you and your family can tackle childhood hunger this summer, but in case you are in similar shoes to mine and are looking for some guidance explaining what this all means to the young kids in your home, I created this brief video. In it, I outline a few key points to keep in mind when discussing childhood hunger with young ones. My kids also love words that sound funny, so I went with a “KUDOS” acronym to help me remember the steps I wanted to take when talking to them about the issue.
I don’t love the camera, so bear with and excuse any mumbling in advance! Here are the steps I outline to help you follow along:
K — Know your kids. My son is super-sensitive, so I won’t be able to focus too much on hungry kids or he will start sobbing–and I’m serious.
U — Use words they can understand. For my kids, I say, “Some kids don’t have enough food” rather than launching into an explanation of school lunch programs–they won’t get it.
D — Don’t linger. Keep your explanation of the problem brief. Attention spans are short at this age.
O — Outline simple ways to help, such as “watch this video together” or “put cans of food in a bag”. Clear action steps work for young kids.
S — Set to work. Go do the activity you discussed. Kids don’t plan very far into the future. Tackle your plan ASAP!
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I worked with The Motherhood on this post, sponsored by ConAgra Foods. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you VProud.tv for publishing the video featured in this post and furthering this important discussion!
First image credit: depositphotos.com, ID:8844474, copyright:zurijeta
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Frugalistablog says
I just dropped off a bunch of apple juice at a local food pantry. They said they feed 500 people a week. A week! I can only think to do more. Thanks for spreading the word about this.
Meredith says
That is so impressive that they feed so many! Go you for your donation, Frugie!
Dan DalMonte says
It is great to raise awareness about this issue and also the kudos acronym is very sensitive and empathetic. It is important to realize when we communicate that not everyone thinks like you do and the meaning and significance of what you are saying may be lost if you do not try to understand how another individual’s mind works.
Meredith says
Excellently put, Dan! And thanks for the encouragement.
Kathy Radigan says
I have a friend who runs an outreach center and she always says summer is a hard time for them and donations. But the need does not go away, or wait till the holidays. Thanks for spreading the word.
Meredith says
Great point, Kathy–the need is always there. Thanks for supporting this effort!
Chris Carter says
this is just great Meredith! I love this mission and I agree we need to engage our children in making a difference! We give regularly and help our local food pantry through our church community service projects. This is just such an incredible need everywhere!!
I love your KUDOS approach!!
Meredith says
Chris, thanks for all your sweet encouragement and thanks for doing so much to help locally!
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
Such a great post! This is such an important problem that needs to be brought to light…I have students who have problems during the school year with nutrition, lack of food at home, etc. so I can’t even imagine what it’s like for them in the summer!!