What did you want to be growing up? A doctor? A police officer? A professional athlete?
The hopes and dreams of our children are limitless, and are so important for the future of our community—but the futures of so many talented youngsters in our area are threatened by hunger every day. More than 10,500 children in Kalamazoo County are challenged by food insecurity, and a child that experiences hunger is more likely to experience life-long health, social and development issues.
This growing social issue becomes even more prevalent in the summer months, where household budgets are stretched further because free and reduced-price school meals are not available. Every year, KLF experiences a distinct spike in service numbers during the summer, including a 10% increase in 2013.
KLF's Food Is Fuel Summer Kids' Campaign was created to specifically address the need in our community during this summer food gap, as well as raise awareness about childhood hunger in our area.
Your support during this campaign truly makes a difference, and helps ensure a brighter future for so many local kids by offering them the sustenance necessary to achieve all of their hopes and dreams.
What does a
hunger-free
Kalamazoo County
look like to you? You are just a few clicks away from helping make that vision a reality.
"The day that hunger is eradicated from the earth, there will be the greatest spiritual explosion the world has ever known.
~ Federico Garcia Lorca
A community can only reach its full potential if it is properly nourished. By contributing to KLF's Food is Fuel Summer Kids' Campaign, you are making an immeasurable impact on the lives of thousands of local chidren and paving the way for a healthy and active future for Kalamazoo County.
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Collecting loose change for a month or even a year and donating it to our food assistance programs.
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Collecting money at a lemonade stand.
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Instead of asking for gifts at a birthday party, encouraging guests to bring food items to donate to our pantries.
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Donating the proceeds from a family garage sale.
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Organizing a food drive with classmates.
It is never too early to start making a difference in our community. Through our Young Philanthropist Program, KLF recognizes young anti-hunger advocates in Kalamazoo County that give back to help build a healthy and active future. Local children can donate food, funds and time to KLF in a number of creative ways including:
If you know someone that is interested in participating in our Young Philanthropist Program, please let us know! Call us at 269-488-2617, email us at kevin@kzoolf.org, or stop by our office at 901 Portage St. to tell us your story.
A child that experiences hunger is :
-More likely to be hospitalized.
-At a higher risk for chronic health conditions.
-More likely to have poor overall health later in life.
-At a higher risk for oral health problems.
-More likely to experience behavioral issues and social difficulties.
You can help change the lives of thousands of local children today.
Every day, more than 10,500 local children are challenged by hunger.
