School's Out for the Summer, but for Many Kids Hunger Remains Summer can be a hungry time for children in families struggling to make ends meet. School’s out, so the kids aren’t receiving free or reduced-price meals they rely upon from school cafeterias during the academic year. If they’re home alone while their parents are working, feeding themselves can be a challenge. Throughout the 21 counties and seven cities of the Diocese of Arlington, 203,040 people don’t know where their next meal is coming from, and one in four of those are children. Sister "Annie" Aniliza P. Juan, SNDS, the volunteer coordinator at Catholic Charities Christ House food pantry, is seeking volunteers to help provide meal packs this summer to children in need of food. These gallon-sized bags contain easy-to-open items like macaroni and cheese, canned pasta, tuna, fruit cups, and granola bars. A personal greeting card is included with each meal.

Sr. Annie needs more volunteers to build these kits. Students from St. Ann Catholic School, youth, scouting or other groups from The Basilica of St. Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, the Church of the Nativity, St. Luke parishes, and the Catholic community at Fort Belvoir have signed up. More help is needed to cover July and August. “This opportunity gives people a chance to provide a meal package to the children of low-income families who endure food insecurity when they are out of school during summertime,” said Sister Annie. “They can make a difference in the lives of the children in need.” The meal kits, along with fresh produce, milk and non-perishable food, will be distributed to pantry visitors on Wednesdays and Thursdays. To provide a Summer Kids Meal, email Sr. Annie.

Volunteers Needed to Help Feed the Hungry Find more ways to help feed the hungry in our diocese – including gleaning fresh corn in local farm fields in July and August - here:

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Icons of Wisdom: Images of Our Lady in Art, Sound, and Care for the Elderly Join Catholic Charities at 7 p.m. on June 16 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Arlington for an evening of Marian music and art featuring local Catholic artist Veronica Royal, who will debut her new icon of Our Lady, dedicated to Catholic Charities Saint Martin de Porres Center. Learn more about the diocesan Jubilee traveling Marian Art and Concert Series. Shown: icon by Veronica Royal (detail). See the full icon at June 16 event.

New Priests for the Diocese of Arlington Catholic Charities welcomes nine priests, newly ordained by Bishop Michael Burbidge. Our staff and volunteers look forward to serving with you in bringing Christ’s love to the poor and vulnerable throughout the Diocese of Arlington!

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington | ccda.net

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