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Food Bank Bridges School Gap For Hungry Kids In Middle Tennessee

Posted at 5:39 PM, May 31, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-31 20:12:42-04

Hungry kids on summer break in Middle Tennessee have been fed thanks to a program that feeds kids across 46 counties.

According to Jaynee Day of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, one in five kids are food insecure, meaning they do not have reliable access to healthy foods. The food bank hopes to fill that need by offering meals at 20 locations across the area, many of which are open five days a week.

"In Davidson county we have over 70 percent of our children that qualify either for free or reduced breakfast or lunch," Day said. "In the summertime those programs aren't offered through the school system. We're supplementing what they might be getting in during the summertime to make sure no child goes hungry."

Stacie Milligan brought her three boys to the library for the first time, Wednesday.

"We always look for cheap affordable stuff to do during the summer. So, this is perfect," said Milligan. "I mean I wish this stuff was around when I was a kid. It is a good program. A good year round program."

The Madison Branch Library also has reading events or other entertainment accompanying their meals.

The meals are free and available for any child. This list from the food bank shows where and when meals will be available. They are funded partially through donations.