Hunger Doesn't Take a Vacation Help us Feed Kid's in Slidell & Pearl River

As summer break approaches, many families in Slidell and Pearl River face a difficult challenge. When schools close, children who rely on free or reduced-price lunches lose a vital source of daily nutrition. For these families, hunger does not take a vacation. Parents often work long hours, leaving kids to prepare their own meals, which can be a struggle without easy-to-make, nutritious food options. To address this urgent need, Community Christian Concern Food Pantry is launching a food drive focused on collecting simple, child-friendly foods to support local families throughout the summer.

Why Summer Food Support Matters

During the school year, many children receive balanced meals through school lunch programs. These meals provide essential nutrients that support growth, learning, and overall health. When school ends, the safety net disappears, and families must find other ways to feed their children. For some, this means stretching limited budgets or relying on less nutritious options.

The impact of summer hunger goes beyond just feeling hungry. It affects children’s energy, concentration, and mood, which can hinder their ability to enjoy summer activities or prepare for the next school year. Providing easy-to-prepare foods helps ensure kids have access to consistent nutrition, even when parents are busy working.

How You Can Help

Community Christian Concern Food Pantry is calling on local businesses and individuals to join the effort by collecting and donating foods that children can prepare themselves. The pantry is looking for items that are shelf-stable, require minimal preparation, and are kid-friendly. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Organize a food collection drive at your workplace, church, or community group.

• Donate food items directly by dropping them off at the pantry.

• Sponsor a food box for $30, which feeds one child for an entire month.

  
  

Drop-Off Details

• Location: Community Christian Concern 2515 Carey St., Slidell, LA 70458

• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Contact: Nancy Arce at 985-646-0357 for questions or to arrange group donations.

  
  

Foods Needed for Summer Nutrition

The pantry requests donations of easy-to-prepare foods that children can handle on their own. These items provide a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and snacks to keep kids fueled throughout the day. Suggested items include:

• Vienna sausages

• Chef Boyardee canned pasta

• Beans and weenies

• Macaroni and cheese

• Ramen noodles

• Tuna or chicken packets

• Peanut butter and jelly

• Breakfast bars

• Beef jerky

• Crackers and popcorn

• Chips and trail mix

• Fruit strips, applesauce, and fruit cups

• Pudding mix

  
  

These foods require little or no cooking, making them perfect for children who may not have access to a full kitchen or adult supervision during meal preparation.

The Impact of Your Contribution

Every donation helps fill a food box that supports a child’s nutritional needs for a month. For just $30, you can sponsor a box that includes a variety of these easy-to-prepare foods. This support not only feeds children but also eases the burden on families struggling to provide meals during the summer.

Local businesses that participate in food drives also strengthen community ties and demonstrate care for families in need. Individuals who donate contribute directly to reducing summer hunger and ensuring children have the energy to enjoy their break and prepare for the school year ahead.

Getting Started with Your Food Drive

If you want to organize a food drive, here are some practical steps:

• Choose a collection point in your workplace, church, or neighborhood.

• Promote the drive through flyers, emails, or word of mouth.

• Set a deadline for donations to ensure timely delivery to the pantry.

• Coordinate with Nancy Arce to arrange pick-up or drop-off.

  
  

Encourage participants to donate the specific items listed above to maximize the usefulness of the collected food.

Final Thoughts

Summer break should be a time of rest and fun for children, not a time of hunger and worry. By contributing to the Community Christian Concern Food Pantry’s food drive, you help ensure that Slidell’s kids have access to nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals all summer long. Whether you donate food, sponsor a food box, or organize a collection, your support makes a real difference.

Reach out today, gather your community, and help feed a child this summer. Hunger doesn’t take a vacation, but together, we can make sure no child goes hungry.