Published in the August 1 – 14, 2018 of Morgan Hill Life
Hunger is a challenge for many families in South Valley when school is out. That’s why we want to put a spotlight on the Santa Clara County Library District’s Lunch at the Library summer program. It provides free lunches to children and teens ages two to 18. The program shows how our first-class library system serves a social need.
“The program offers a safe and positive environment that provides not only a nutritional meal but also access to books, interactive learning resources, and engaging educational activities throughout the summer,” said County Supervisor Mike Wasserman who represents Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy as part of District 1. “The libraries … hope to make a lasting impact on the summer learning experiences of children, ultimately helping them start the school year ready to learn.”
The lunches consist of USDA-sponsored meals served by staff at the Morgan Hill and Gilroy public libraries as well at San Martin Gwinn School with the Bookmobile run by the county library system. The program is done in partnership with local agencies including the Second Harvest Food Bank and the Silicon Valley YMCA.
Despite the abundance of food in our modern world, too many kids in the South Valley risk going hungry during the summer when they lose access to free and low-cost school lunch plans. The Lunch at the Library program joins partners in the community to fill that need so children and teens can enjoy healthy and delicious meals. Lunches are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to youth. Accompanying adults are eligible for any surplus meals, with the cost covered by Second Harvest. The library system anticipates serving more than 5,000 meals this summer.
A 2015 study from the Tufts University Center on Hunger, Poverty and Nutrition Policy found the effects of child hunger impact many areas of a child’s life including, most notably, their cognitive development. The link between nutrition and cognitive development means the brain’s ability to develop can be negatively impacted when adequate nutrition is not available. The key findings from the study include:
- A child not getting enough to eat on a regular basis can delay brain development and the child’s ability to learn. The longer food insecurity continues, the greater chance of cognitive delays.
- Low levels of iron, which is detected in nearly a quarter of low-income children and is a key concern with child hunger in America, is linked with impaired cognitive development.
- Low-income children who come to school hungry have lower scores on standardized tests than low-income children that arrive at school well-fed.
When nutrition is improved, the effects of food insecurity can be treated. That means more kids have a better chance at a happier and more productive life. We encourage parents and guardians to make sure their children have a nutritious diet.
This year’s Lunch at the Library program in Morgan Hill ends Aug. 3. And at San Martin Gwinn School it goes until Aug. 9. If you want to make sure all kids receive nutritious meals, please donate to the Second Harvest Food Bank at www.shfb.org/donate.
