Child Hunger in the Summer

But according to the organization Feeding for America, nearly 1 out of 4 kids in the state go to bed hungry.

And it's especially bad in the summer because hundreds of kids that rely on school lunch programs are now looking for other ways to get a good meal.

Every park and playground in the Four States is crawling with kids this summer

But Stephanie Theis says on the playground at the Children's Haven in Joplin there are more than usual.

Executive Director for the Children's Haven Stephanie Theis says, "We've absolutely seen an increase this summer."

An increase of kids to the point where they are booked solid. A concern for Theis as she knows all too well that when kids are out of school for many there are no guarantee of getting a meal.

Theis says, "There just aren't that many eyes on kids or programs available during the summer months. We get calls everyday for a family that need to come in because not only do they not have food but they don't have safe shelter."

So the Children's Haven steps in to lower the number of kids going to sleep hungry.

Theis says, "We want to make sure that kids have a meal..a hot meal everyday, and that their needs are being taken care of."

A hot meal that is provided only through donations, and as the summer heats up.. food donations go down.

Theis says, "There are less people volunteering in the summer, and that's pretty typical. It's good to remind them that kids are still here and still have these needs in our community."

Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Rhonda Gorham says, We've had an increase in children."

Gorham says they are at a record high for kids enrolled this summer

"We're enrolled at 225 so we just started a waiting list," says Gorham.

That's more than 70 kids their average in the club, and she says if she can she will accept more if it means getting kids off the street and fully fed.

The Children's Haven is located at 701 S Picher Joplin, Missouri.
The Boys and Girls Club is located at 317 Comingo Avenue in Joplin, Missouri.