United Way of Greater Atlanta is kicking off its third annual Silence the Growl – its campaign to fight summer hunger among children who receive federally funded free and reduced meals during the school year. Last year, United Way and its partners fed more than 30,000 meals to children that are not part of a summer lunch program. This year’s goal is to provide more than 60,000 meals. The campaign ends June 30.

“Throughout the 13-county region, more than 350,000 children run the risk of losing one or more meals each day during the summer,” says United Way of Greater Atlanta President and CEO Milton J. Little, Jr. “No child should go hungry. Last year trough United Way’s summer feeding program, our community stepped up and provided more than 30,000 meals to children. This year, through partnerships with the Georgia Division of Family and Children’s Services and the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), we hope to double last year’s success by connecting more than 60,000 children with meals they need to enjoy summer and to be ready to learn in the fall.”

In addressing the importance of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Falita Flowers, DECAL’s Director of Nutrition Services, says, “The SFSP fills a critical need during the summer when children are out of school by providing free nutritious meals. For children who receive free breakfast and/or lunch during the school year, this program fills the gap and contributes to their overall health and well-being.”

There are several ways you can get involved and partner with United Way’s Silence the Growl campaign.

Give
- Donate directly to the Silence The Growl Campaign
- Build a virtual lunch box
- Purchase branded swag

Volunteer
Volunteer opportunities are available to help silence childhood hunger. Contact
[email protected] for more information.

Share
Engage with us on social media. Share pre-made tweets, posts and social graphics about Silence the Growl and how United Way is helping children in the Greater Atlanta community. Use hashtag #SilenceTheGrowl and spread the word!

For more information on Silence the Growl, visit silencethegrowl.org.