Carbondale Reporter

With schools closed as a result of the coronavirus, thousands of children are losing the school meals they depend on and low-income families are struggling with lost wages. 

In effort to help those who have been hit the hardest, No Kid Hungry recently announced that it offering emergency grants to support local school districts and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to ensure kids get the nutritious food they need.

Illinois state Rep. Dave Severin highlighted on his Facebook page recently a message from State Superintendent of Education Carmen Ayala, regarding No Kid Hungry grant funding.

"In exciting food news, we have learned that No Kid Hungry is offering $1 million in emergency grants, available immediately, for schools and community organizations who are finding innovative ways to make sure children have access to the meals they need," said Ayala in the posting. "This national advocacy organization is supporting local efforts like home-delivered meals, grab-and-go programs, school and community pantries, backpack programs, and other steps to help reach children and families who have lost their access to meals. If you need funding to support your nutrition efforts, please submit your interest at www.nokidhungry.org/coronavirus-grant-request.”

With children being affected across the country, No Kid Hungry has made strides to keep food on the tables.

“This grant request is specifically for school districts and community organizations to submit an inquiry for grants to support nutrition programs in their communities,” according to the nonprofit group. “No Kid Hungry is also in the process of developing a separate database to help families and individuals find help in their communities.”