Childhood Hunger Programs
Over one-third, or 15,000, of the Regional Food Bank's emergency food recipients on a weekly basis are children. Since there is a critical connection between childhood nutrition and cognitive and physical development, even nutritional deficiencies of a relatively short-term nature negatively impact a child's health, behavior, and the ability to concentrate and perform complex tasks. In addition, going without food can cause behavioral and psychological effects such as depression, aggression, anxiety, and poor social skills in children. Food is the most essential school supply. Hungry children cannot learn.
The Regional Food Bank serves children directly through three programs in its Childhood Hunger Initiative.
Food for Kids
Chronically hungry elementary school children receive a backpack with food over weekends and holidays
