Capital Area Foodbank
Summer Meals B y J o h n T u r n er
DON’T MISS
NATURE NIGHTS At the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
June 21, 28 and July 5, 12, 19, 26 6 to 9 p.m. • admission free Sponsored by H-E-B
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ike most children, when I was growing up, I looked forward to summer with feverish excitement. It was a time to play, tear around on our bicycles, enjoy endless games of soccer and generally work up a good sweat and healthy appetite. I was a fortunate little boy; I always had a meal waiting for me when I returned home— food that satiated the growl and empty feeling in my tummy. The unfortunate reality this summer, though, is that many children will go home to an empty plate at mealtime. More than one in four children in Central Texas are currently at risk for hunger. To be clear, that means that they’re not sure where their next meal will come from. That’s where Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB) and partners step in. CAFB participates in a program that fills the lunch gap for thousands of children who might otherwise go hungry all summer long. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally funded program that provides free meals during the summer to children ages 18 and under when National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program meals aren’t available. CAFB operates SFSP from a number of sites across Travis County, and the program ensures that children have the nutrition they need to make them ready to learn when school starts in the fall. Monday through Friday, children are welcome to enjoy nutritious lunches at any SFSP site. The program starts on June 4 and runs until August 24; it’s free and no registration or identification is needed. Most health experts and pediatricians agree that a hungry child’s academic achievement, health and future workforce participation can be endangered if the child is deprived of essential nutrients— especially in the critical early years. Hunger is unacceptable, and ending a child’s hunger should be a priority for all of us. If you’d like to help CAFB provide summer meals that matter and put a smile on a hungry child’s face, please get involved.
4801 La Crosse Avenue • 512.232.0100
www.wildflower.org
John Turner is the senior director of marketing and branding for the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas. For more information visit austinfoodbank.org. 6th Annual
FARM AND FOOD LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE This unique conference focuses on the policies affecting our farms and our food. Topics include the 2012 Farm Bill, genetically modified foods, corporate control of our food system and much more. Register by August 1, for best rates! WHEN: Monday–Tuesday, September 10–11 WHERE: Bastrop Convention Center, Bastrop DETAILS: farmandranchfreedom.org • 254-697-2661
“Best place to cure what ails you”
Enjoy the outdoors this summer!
MOSQUITO! Our all-natural, locally-made insect repellent is effective and safe for people (and babies and children) and pets. Nutritious for the skin—smells yummy!
theherbbar.com 200 West Mary 512.444.6251 EDIBLEAUSTIN.COM
SUMMER 2012
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