Arizona Children Are Invited To Attend Summer Lunch Buddies Program

HCR2005 is scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday in the House Education Committee.( Photo by U.S. Department of Agriculture/Creative Commons)

Because of a partnership between the Arizona Department of Education, the Arizona Department of Health Services and organizations like the Maricopa County Department of Public Health’s WIC program, families can visit one of over 500 locations across the state serving free, nutritious meals to anyone 18 years or younger. Families are welcome to come for meals as often as they like, with no application or proof of income required.

WHEN: June 4, 2018 – July 31, 2018

WHERE: Visit maricopa.gov/SummerFood or text FOOD to 877877 for a list of locations

WHO’S ELIGIBLE: Children 18 and under. No application or proof of income is required.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Select meal distribution sites offer meals for adults at a minimal cost; visit website for locations.

Almost 15 percent of Arizona households are labeled as food insecure, meaning that the family does not have consistent, dependable access to enough food for active, healthy living. Household food insecurity has been linked to decreased health and development of young children, including but not limited to increased hospitalizations, poor health, iron deficiency, developmental risk and behavior problems, primarily aggression, anxiety, depression, and attention deficit disorder.