Kids Cruisin' Kitchen Kickoffs for the Summer
As the school year comes to a close in the Heartland, thousands of Nebraska children are worrying about finding their next meals. The summer months are especially difficult for kids at-risk of hunger and their families. About 45 percent of children in Nebraska receive free or reduced-priced school lunches; in some schools, these percentages soar into the 80s and 90s. While their classmates are swimming, playing sports, or vacationing during summer break, many children are seeking other resources for meals.
In Nebraska, approximately one in six children is considered food insecure. This is a time of year when at-risk children are particularly vulnerable.
“Many of us do not think about hunger during the summer, but it can be a critical time for families who are struggling financially,” said Brian Barks, president and CEO of Food Bank for the Heartland. “Children are not in school, and parents must factor additional food and child care costs into their budgets that are already strained. Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen is providing vital meals to combat summer hunger for children.”
To combat the epidemic of childhood summer hunger in Nebraska, the Omaha-Council Bluffs Salvation Army and Food Bank for the Heartland are collaborating again for the Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen program (KCK). Now in its ninth year, KCK is providing hot, nutritious meals free of charge to children this summer at the places they live and play—such as parks, libraries and apartment complexes. Children 18 years of age and under are eligible for meals.
Utilizing the partner organizations’ combined four food trucks, Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen serves lunch at 16 sites in Omaha, Bellevue, Ralston, La Vista, Blair and Valley. KCK operates June 3 through August 8 during the weekdays. Last year, 82,786 meals were served to children and their families.
In addition to the 16 lunch sites, Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen is delivering meals to four metro nonprofit organizations and one apartment complex where staff members and volunteers will serve them to children in need. Breakfast and lunch will be served at some of these sites. The Hope Center for Kids is serving dinner. A complete listing of KCK locations and distribution times can be found online at FoodBankHeartland.org.