Summer Hunger Is Real: Why Kids Are More At Risk When School Ends

When the school year winds down, many children look forward to summer break—long days, warm weather, and a chance to simply be kids. But for thousands of children across Maryland, summer marks the beginning of the hungriest months of the year. Without the consistency of school meals, many families struggle to fill the gap, making summer hunger a very real and urgent issue for our community.

At the LindaBen Foundation, we serve families facing food insecurity every day, and we see firsthand how school closures intensify the challenge—especially for those already stretched thin by rising food costs, seasonal work, or limited transportation. When school cafeterias close their doors, too many children lose access to the dependable breakfast and lunch they rely on throughout the year.

Why Kids Are More Vulnerable During Summer

Summer hunger isn’t just about empty stomachs—it’s about the ripple effects on health, learning, behavior, and emotional well-being. Children who experience food insecurity during summer are at greater risk for:

  • Poor nutrition as families struggle to afford balanced meals
  • Higher stress levels due to increased household instability
  • Falling behind academically as hunger affects focus and retention
  • Health challenges tied to low-quality, low-cost foods

With fewer community feeding programs available and many parents working long or inflexible hours, kids can quickly find themselves without the nourishment they need to grow, learn, and thrive.

How LindaBen Foundation Is Filling the Gap

Through our weekend food packs, community pantry distributions, and kid-centered programs, we’re working hard to reduce the burden on families during the summer months. Our weekend food packs ensure that children have access to nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals even when school is out, helping prevent hunger from taking hold at home.

These packs are filled with wholesome items that kids love—whole grains, fruit cups, healthy snacks, proteins, and pantry staples that support their overall well‑being. By focusing directly on child hunger and nutrition, we’re helping Maryland families navigate the toughest months of the year with dignity and hope.

How You Can Support Children This Summer

As we head into June, your support is more important than ever. Here are a few ways you can make a meaningful impact on childhood food insecurity:

  • Donate to help us expand our weekend food pack program
  • Volunteer to help assemble or distribute summer meals
  • Host a food drive with a focus on kid‑friendly, nutritious items
  • Share our mission to raise awareness about summer hunger in Maryland

Every contribution helps ensure that no child faces the long summer months without access to healthy food. Together, we can create a hunger-free summer for Maryland’s kids—and build a stronger, healthier community for all.

With gratitude,
The LindaBen Foundation Team