Source: Orthodox Christian Network
June 16, 2016
Childhood hunger is a “silent crisis” that affects every community in our country. There are 17 million children who live in food-insecure households, meaning that they do not have adequate access to the nutrition that they need. During the school year, these children rely on free and reduced price meals from their schools. However, in summer months, when schools are closed, children often go hungry. A lack of nutrition during the summer sets up a cycle for poor performance once school begins again and makes children more prone to illness and other health issues.
The FOCUS North America Summer Feeding Program is designed to close the child hunger gap during the summer months and make sure children get the nutritious meals they need. It is also a wonderful opportunity to engage our Orthodox faithful in Christ-centered outreach.
This summer, FOCUS will serve 46,000 meals to disadvantaged children living near Orthodox parishes in 8 cities across America. Each year, the program will expand to new cities to reduce childhood hunger in the neighborhoods where we live and worship.
Volunteers are needed each weekday throughout the summer to help assemble, deliver, and serve meals to children. FOCUS will provide all necessary program oversight, staffing, insurance, and all food items. If you do not live in one of the cities listed below, you can still get involved. Consider bringing a group from your parish to one of our target cities. Your group will help serve children during the day and then you will be free to explore the city or assist with other hands-on FOCUS projects. You can also contact us about bringing Summer Feeding to your city next year!
We need you June 27–September 2
2016 Summer Feeding Cities:
- Columbus OH
- Washington D.C.
- Fairfax County VA
- Detroit MI
- Los Angeles CA
- Phoenix AZ
- Pittsburgh PA
For more information or to volunteer, call 1-866-267-3083 or visit: FOCUSNorthAmerica.org/summerfeeding
FOCUS North America is a national movement of Orthodox Christians, united in faith and joined by a desire to provide action-oriented and sustainable solutions to poverty in communities across America. FOCUS has operations and life-changing youth volunteer development opportunities in more than 50 cities.
