MISSOURI, USA — As the school year comes to an end, many families face food insecurity because their kids and teens no longer have daily access to lunch and even breakfast they normally get at school.
Buying groceries is tough right now for St. Louis metro families.
"Food prices are up 10% over last year, we are seeing higher rates of food insecurity, the highest rate of food insecurity we've had since 2017," St. Louis Area Food Bank Community Resource Coordinator Andrew Yakel said.
The St. Louis Area Food Bank said food insecurity only goes up when school lets out and summer sets in.
Feeding America data shows 1 in 6 children face hunger in Illinois and 1 in 5 face hunger in Missouri.
"At such a young age, having proper nutrition is vital to their growth, to their development as people," Yakel said.
A new federal program called 'SUN Bucks' will give eligible families an extra $120 per child to fill in the gaps over the summer.
Illinois is already rolling it out in June.
"No child should ever face hunger and with sun bucks, Illinois state agencies are ensuring families get every dollar possible to feed their children so they can show up this upcoming fall ready to learn," Illinois Education Superintendent Tony Sanders said.
Missouri is right behind them.
Families already enrolled in SNAP benefits or food stamps don't have to take any action.
"That is issued through the state, and some families will automatically qualify, they will automatically get that $120 per child benefit added to an EBT card, but other families will have to apply," Operation Food Search President and CEO Kristen Wild said.
But sometimes that still isn't enough. Operation Food Search has food pantries and starts their kids' summer meal program on June 5th.
"That is available for children up to age 18. It is free and it is available at about 40 sites in the St. Louis area," Wild said.
In addition, St. Louis Area Food Bank partners with more than 600 pantries in the metro area to help feed the whole family, including some in schools.
"Some of those school markets will continue through the summer. We're trying that this summer with a few that are willing to continue to open up their building," Yakel said.
The St. Louis Area Food Bank runs on donations but they also need hundreds of volunteers a week to serve families in 26 counties across Missouri and Illinois.