NEW BRITAIN -- 1 in 6 kids living in Connecticut struggles to get the food they need to stay strong and healthy. For the many children who depend on school breakfast and lunch programs, no school means no food.
Food disparity is most critical during the summer season than at any other time of the year.
This summer, Foodshare is partnering with FOX 61 to present Summer Meals Madness, a series of basketball events that will inform, engage and excite kids.
Summer Meals Madness will run through August at locations across the region (this list will be updated):
- August 3 @ Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth & Family Center in Hartford - 444 Albany Ave. Basketball 10 a.m. to noon / lunch 12:30 -1 p.m.
- August 13 @ Newington High School: 605 Willard Ave. Newington Lunch 11 a.m. - 11:45a.m. / Basketball Champions 11:45 a.m. - 12:55 p.m.; Awards: 12:55 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.
The first event, at the New Britain Boys & Girls Club on June 24, was a great success! You can learn more about it in the video above.
Connecticut has one of the highest participation rates in the nation for summer meals, at 27%, and yet 3 out of 4 eligible kids are not taking advantage of the program. At each event, Foodshare will offer free meals for all kids 18 & under, with information on free meals locations near you this summer, mini skills clinics, with support from local athletes, a basketball competition for kids of all ages and winners will be invited to compete in their championship event in early August, special guest appearances by iHeart Media and Prizes & Giveaways.
Summer meals is a federally funded program through the USDA.
For a complete list of participating sites, visit Foodshare online at foodshare.org/madness or call (860) 286-9999.
For a full list of open sites near you dial 2-1-1, or visit org. You can also text CTMEALS to 877877.
