Alleviate child hunger in Athens this winter break by serving with Smart Lunch, Smart Kid

In Athens-Clarke County, more than 80 percent of the K-12 student population is eligible for free and reduced lunch, a crucial meal that disappears in the summer and school breaks. These meals play a vital role in children’s physical and mental development, which in turn affect their behavior and educational performance in school. Smart Lunch, Smart Kid, through the dedication of thousands of volunteers and donors, ensures that these children are fed during the summer and school breaks. Unlike other feeding programs, we take the food to the children in their neighborhoods, removing the barrier of lack of transportation. This summer, Smart Lunch, Smart Kid delivered 12,000 lunches to more than 800 children in five Athens-Clarke County neighborhoods, along with enrichment activities and mentoring opportunities to ensure that their minds, as well as their bodies, are nourished.

This winter break, Smart Lunch, Smart Kid will serve on Dec. 23, 26, 27 and Dec. 30 - Jan. 3. You can get involved by preparing the lunches or providing the funds to prepare lunches, volunteering to pack or deliver the lunches, or by providing some form of educational enrichment for the students. We are expecting to feed almost 300 students a day, so the need is great, but we know the people of Athens are up to the challenge. Help alleviate child hunger this December and volunteer or support Smart Lunch, Smart Kid. For more information, contact Drew Hooks at 478-494-7717 or dhooks@actionministries.net.