Hey Benji Summer Feeding Program will provide a hot cooked, nutritious breakfast and lunch to more
than 75 kids, kindergarten through high school students Monday - Friday during the 2024 summer break. All meals include meat, bread, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and milk. The summer feeding program will also encourage healthy eating through our weekly cooking enrichments, where volunteers join us to educate kids on the importance of healthy eating and exercise. Examples of enrichment activities include learning about the food pyramid, health jeopardy, guest speakers, and learning how to make healthy snacks. At the end of the program, student will demonstrate what they have learned by planning and cooking a meal for their families.

"1 in 4 children in Cook County are at risk of hunger' - The Greater Chicago Food Depository. On
average, 43% of children in the Englewood neighborhood are in poverty (40% higher than the city of Chicago average). Children raised in low-income families often experience chronic stress that puts them at risk for behavioral and social problems. In the neighborhoods we serve, an average of 35% of residents experience hunger and food insecurity, much higher than the average of 12% for all of Cook County. 100% of the children enrolled in our program rely heavily on the free meal program during the school year and it is our goal to make sure they do not go without eating during the summer months.

When children receive regular nutritious meals they are free from the distraction of hunger and are better equipped to achieve their goals. This decreases their likelihood of dropping out of school, and helps them succeed in school and in life. As our students engage in health and wellness opportunities, they gain confidence and are less likely to participate in negative or risky behaviors. As a result of Hey Benji's health and wellness initiative, our kids will be positioned to:
* Eat nutritious, hot cooked dinners
* Make healthy food choices
* Increase their physical activity
* Increase their overall health and wellness
* Have the health and wellness necessary to be better learners and better
positioned to continue their education through high school and beyond.

Food is a basic human right. More than simple sustenance, it fuels hope and makes more possible. Only a hunger-free community can truly be healthy. The majority of ourneighbors facing food insecurity are children, older adults and working families. For some, hunger is atemporary challenge — caused by a job loss, an illness or other short-term setback. Many Americans are only one paycheck away from facing food insecurity. For others, it is an ongoing struggle. Other barriers to obtaining food often include unemployment, lack of access to transportation and health problems. These barriers and more can prevent people from obtaining enough food for their entire household.