Summer is a time of joy and relaxation for many children, but for some, it can also mean uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. When school cafeterias close for summer break, kids lose access to the free and reduced-price breakfasts and lunches that families depend on during the school year. With 1 in 6 children facing hunger in Middle and West Tennessee, the need for summer meals is critical. 

To ensure children can have a hunger-free summer, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee sponsors the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) at sites throughout Middle and West Tennessee each summer. SFSPs are a vital initiative that provides free and nutritious meals to children during the summer months. This federally funded program operated by Second Harvest ensures that kids who rely on school meals continue to receive the nourishment they need when school is out. This initiative is crucial in ensuring that no child goes hungry during the summer months. 

One of the standout SFSP sites is the Edgehill Branch of the Nashville Public Library. This site not only provides nutritious meals but also offers a supportive and enriching environment for children. Throughout the summer, the library runs an educational, literacy-based program that includes storytelling, dancing, music, and play, all while ensuring that the children receive a healthy meal from Second Harvest. 

Ed Brown, who works on the SFSP program at the library, emphasizes the importance of fighting food insecurity as part of the library’s mission. “One of the core tenets of any public library is equal access,” says Brown. “Anywhere we can level the playing field for access, we want to be able to do that, including for food.” 

Through programs like SFSP, partnerships with organizations like the Nashville Public Library, and the support of our community, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is working tirelessly to ensure that no child experiences food insecurity. Your support makes a real difference in the lives of these children, providing them with the nourishment they need to thrive. 

Thank you for standing with us in the fight against hunger and helping to ensure a hunger-free summer for every child in our community.