F4K works to alleviate childhood hunger

and promote literacy

on the lower/outer Cape

by bringing together

the Church of the Holy Spirit

and local communities

to provide free meals and free books

for children and teens

in the summer when schools are out

January 23, 2023

Food 4 Kids

Could Use Your Help

Are you interested in getting more involved with Food 4 Kids? Please share your talents with us! As we prepare for next summer’s season we would love your help. Opportunities include: Public Relations, Communication, Photography, and more. Please contact F4K at info@food4kidscapecod.org if you would like to discuss volunteering with us in a new way.

What happens when a child faces hunger?

Children facing hunger are more likely to be hospitalized and they face higher risks of health conditions like anemia and asthma. And as they grow up, kids who missed meals are more likely to have problems in school and other social situations. They are more likely to repeat a grade in elementary school, experience developmental impairments in areas like language and motor skills and have more social and behavioral problems. [Feeding America]

We Are Committed to Providing Free Meals

Over the past 10 summers our commitment to provide free meals to the children and teens of the lower/outer Cape in the summer has not wavered. As we begin planning for Summer 2023, our commitment remains strong.

• Inflation, limited affordable housing and other economic stresses continue to pressure families well beyond the lingering impact of COVID. Local food pantries report increased demand will extend well into 2023. Criteria for qualifying for state and federal aid cannot keep up, much less meet the reality of living on Cape Cod. F4K is committed to providing meals to all children/teens – no one has to qualify. 

• The USDA reimburses Food 4 Kids a fixed amount for each meal served at a qualified site, and that funding has supported 60-65% of our budget. However, not all good sites are in official USDA “areas of need,” which shift dramatically each year on the Cape and often do not align with where recreation programs are held. F4K is committed to providing free meals to all sites, even if they do not qualify. 

• USDA rules and regulations are subject to change, with that possibility increasing amid current political tensions. Will reimbursement rates keep pace with inflation? Will the limit of 2 meals per day per site continue, or will it be expanded to 3 as many sites need? Will new rules limit where we can go and what we can serve? F4K is committed to providing the meals our sites need, including providing a third meal to those sites that operate all day.  

Childhood hunger is a

hidden reality on Cape Cod.

We are thrilled

you would like to help make a difference

by supporting Food 4 Kids with your time and treasure!

Thank you!

This institution is an affirmative action /

equal opportunity provider