When school ends in June, so does something many families quietly rely on: reliable meals for their children each day. In Essex County, 1 in 5 children faces food insecurity–the highest rate in New Jersey. For families already navigating the rising cost of groceries, gas, and housing, summer brings the added financial pressure of childcare, camps, and stretched budgets with no safety net. As $187 billion in federal cuts to SNAP continue to roll out, families who relied on food assistance will have less and need more from their community.
This summer, Toni’s Kitchen is committed to bring there for local children though our “Summer Love” program. Your support of Summer Love means:
>> Kids receiving fresh, nutritious meals at libraries, summer camps, and teen programs, delivered straight from our kitchen;
>> Families selecting fresh produce and groceries at our Neighborhood Mobile Markets; and
>> Parent equipped with summer essentials like sunscreen, swim diapers, and first-aid items.
Last summer, your generosity made it possible for us to deliver over 6,700 meals and healthy snacks to children across our community. This summer, we expect more families to need us, and we are committed to being there for them.
A gift to Summer Love is a gift of stability, for a child to eat well and a parent who will worry a little less. In a summer that will test many of our neighbors, that peace of mind if everything. Thank you for partnering with us in this vital work.
To donate to Toni’s Kitchen Summer Love, please click here.