Why We Do What We Do
70%
More than 25,000 Brevard County elementary students qualify for
free or reduced-price meals and are at risk of childhood hunger.
free or reduced-price meals and are at risk of childhood hunger.
Today, 70% of Brevard County Public elementary school students—more than 25,000 children—qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Many of these children face the daily reality of childhood hunger and malnutrition because of limited household income.
When discussing childhood hunger, we rely on participation in the public school lunch program—one of the nation’s most widely accepted indicators of poverty and food insecurity. Government agencies and nonprofit organizations use this measure to identify children most at risk.
The Impact of Childhood Hunger
Childhood hunger has serious and lasting consequences. It weakens the immune system, reduces concentration, affects behavior, and makes it more difficult for children to learn and retain information. Hungry children become sick more often and consistently perform at lower academic levels.
The challenge doesn’t end when school lets out on Friday. Many children lose access to reliable meals during weekends and school breaks, making proper nutrition even more critical for healthy development and long-term academic success.
How We Help
The Children’s Hunger Project fills this critical gap by providing nutritious weekend meals throughout the school year. Teachers and school administrators witness firsthand how weekend hunger impacts their students, and together we work to ensure children return to school ready to learn.
Research has shown that undernutrition combined with the stresses of poverty can permanently affect physical growth, brain development, and cognitive functioning. The longer a child’s nutritional needs go unmet, the greater the risk of lifelong challenges. Children who attend school hungry consistently perform below their well-nourished peers on standardized testing.
The Difference Your Support Makes
While many people generously support feeding children around the world, childhood hunger exists right here in Brevard County. It is a local problem—and one we can solve together.
📚 Improved School Attendance
📝 Higher Test Scores
📖 Stronger Reading Skills
😊 Better Classroom Behavior
❤️ Better Overall Health
Children are hungry on the weekends.
Food is the foundation for success in school—and together, we can make sure every child has the nourishment they need to thrive.