SSM Health: Need for food help rises in the summer
MADISON, Wis. — Food, that’s one thing that families in need, especially with children, often need of assistance with. In the summer, that need increases dramatically. SSM Health Community Health Manager Nikeya Bramlett is breaking down why summer has such a sharp rise in the need for food access.
“There are lots of families that actually rely on children being able to get one or two meals at school every weekday,” says Bramlett. “In the summer, school lets out and they no longer have that ability, so that’s why we see a lot more demand for food access in the summer. It becomes an issue with just having to change up your routine, but also a lot of families just don’t have the ability to keep up with having to pay for so much more food in the summer.”
For those who want to help, Bramlett says local food pantries are in need of quick and healthy items such as granola bars, peanut butter, and canned fruits and vegetables, and that some food pantries now have the capacity to accept dairy items, fresh produce, and even pet food. Bramlett also adds that Women’s health items and baby products are increasing in need.
Our Time for Kids: Keys to Health team is asking what you want to hear about. Let us know what health topics you’re interested in or share your health story with us online at ssmhealth.com/timeforkids.
COPYRIGHT 2022 BY CHANNEL 3000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
