The alarming reality is that even short periods of time without access to consistent nutrition can have long-term negative effects on a child’s health and well-being. Mariano Hayes, recreational leader at Easley Community Center, understands this challenge all too well.

“It’s pretty close to being a food desert out here, so a lot of kids wouldn’t be getting the proper nutrition they need to grow, or don’t know what it is to eat healthy,” he says.

The Community Center hosts a Second Harvest Kids Cafe, which provides at-risk children with healthy meals and snacks during the school year and throughout the summer. Mariano says if it weren’t for its partnership with Second Harvest, the Center wouldn’t be able to provide enough food for the kids in its care.

Located on the south side of Nashville, Easley Community Center serves around 150 to 200 children. In addition to helping meet students’ food needs, the Center offers bimonthly nutrition classes, sports leagues, homework assistance, games and arts and crafts.

Girls and boys typically don’t go home from the Center’s after-school program until after 6 p.m., so the healthy snacks and meals are essential to keeping them focused on schoolwork and energized for sports and recreation. In the summer, snacks from Second Harvest help fuel kids’ success all day long!

Mariano sees the needs of his community’s children firsthand. Because he knows how much your gifts help, he was excited to share his gratitude with you on behalf of the families he serves.

“Your contributions are greatly appreciated because funding is not readily available to provide food to the inner city [children],” he says.

Thank you for ensuring local children have the healthy meals they need to thrive!