Sharon, a Save the Children staff member in Kentucky, helps distribute meals to children in her community while schools were closed this spring during the onset of the coronavirus outbreak. Save the Children photo.
Save the Children Leads Food Distributions in Rural Communities Across 4 States
Effort Aimed to Support Children and Families, Curb Hunger During COVID-19 Pandemic
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (October 1, 2020) – Last week, Save the Children began distributing boxes filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, milk and dairy products in four states as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farmers to Families Food Box program.
More than 25,000 food boxes are being distributed weekly at a variety of community pick-up points in rural communities across Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. Distributions will continue through October 31, with the potential for continuation based on a program extension authorized by USDA.
“We know that coronavirus continues to have significant, detrimental impacts on children and families across America, particularly those who depend on school for meals. Save the Children is proud to be part of the solution to ensure fresh food reaches rural communities,” said Betsy Zorio, Vice President of U.S. Programs and Advocacy at Save the Children. “So often we hear of parents going without to ensure their kids have the food they need to grow healthy and strong. By coordinating distribution efforts in rural communities, we’re hopeful we can help curb hunger for kids and adults alike.”
Before COVID-19, nearly 90 percent of counties with high child food insecurity rates were classified as rural. The pandemic has exacerbated hunger across America, with food insecurity rates tripling for households with children.
As part of Save the Children’s coronavirus response efforts in the United States, the nonprofit has helped prepare and deliver more than 8 million meals across rural America since March.
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