Racine & Me: Benner Beats Hunger expands efforts to fight summer food insecurity
Gabrielle Hood RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- When school lets out for the summer, many children lose access to the meals they rely on during the school year. That's where Benner Beats Hunger steps in.
The Racine County-based summer food service program is dedicated to providing healthy meals to children and families facing food insecurity. Its mission is simple: ensure no one goes hungry during the summer months.
Founded by Gabrielle Hood, Benner Beats Hunger has seen tremendous growth in a short amount of time. Last summer, the organization served 3,221 meals in just eight weeks at a single site. This year, the program has expanded to 10 locations across Racine County and estimates it could serve as many as 50,000 meals.
The program focuses on providing nutritious food while creating a supportive environment for families in need. Organizers believe access to healthy meals is a basic right and are working to make those resources more accessible throughout the community.
Hood joined Racine & Me to discuss the growing need for summer meal programs, how Benner Beats Hunger is expanding its reach and what community members can do to support the mission.
To learn more about Benner Beats Hunger, meal sites or volunteer opportunities, visit Benner Beats Hunger