When school is in session, kids have the comfort of a meal and access to educational resources. But when the school bell rings for the last time in May, many children lose that sense of security.

That’s where United Way Space Coast and The Children’s Hunger Project come in, teaming up to bring the Summer Feed and Read program to Brevard County children.

Each summer, students in low-income communities lose an estimated two to three months of reading skills, known as the “summer slide,” simply because they don’t have access to books. By the time they reach fifth grade, those summer learning gaps can add up to three full years of lost progress compared to their peers.

The Summer Feed and Read program brings together a network of schools, community centers, churches, and Brevard County Parks and Recreation sites. These locations serve breakfast and/or lunch through the Summer BreakSpot program, providing each child with a set of reading-level appropriate books to keep as their own. Plus, the kids go home with food for the weekend to make sure they don’t go hungry.

These summer meal sites do more than fill stomachs; they give kids the chance to socialize, learn, and grow. By combining healthy meals with educational support, we help fight summer hunger, prevent learning loss, and nurture social and emotional skills.

“We’re on a mission to make sure every child in Brevard County has the food and books they need to thrive during the summer months,” said Caron Partridge, president, United Way Space Coast. “Our program is all about keeping kids active and learning when school is out. Most of our summer meal sites offer fun, educational, and recreational activities to keep kids engaged while they enjoy a healthy meal.”

This summer, United Way Space Coast and The Children’s Hunger Project are set to distribute about 10,000 healthy weekend meal packs and distribute about 9,000 books in just 10 weeks. This vital program is made possible by the generous support of United Way Space Coast donors, strengthening our community by addressing the critical needs of hunger and education.

Together, we can help make this summer brighter and more nutritious for every child.