ERIE — As schools across northwest Pennsylvania let out for summer vacation, thousands of children who rely on school meals lose access to the consistent nutrition provided by school breakfasts and lunches.

New data from Feeding America’s annual Map the Meal Gap study reports that 1 in 5 children in the region experience food insecurity. Child food insecurity in Northwest Pennsylvania ranges from 17.9% in Elk County to a high of 27.1% in Forest County, with an average rate of more than 21% across Second Harvest Food Bank’s 11-county service area.

To help ensure these children have access to nutritious food all summer long, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania plans to expand its Summer Child Feeding Initiative into three new counties, Crawford, Forest and McKean. This includes school pantries remaining open during the summer, and Summer BackPacks filled with healthy, kid-friendly food, distributed through partner schools and community organizations.

“No child should have to worry where their next meal will come from,” said Gregory D. Hall, chief executive officer of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania. “While school is out, hunger is not – and that’s why our Summer Child Feeding Initiative is so important. With the support of our community, we can make sure kids have the nutritious food they need to grow, learn and enjoy their summer.”

While many families experience food insecurity, Second Harvest officials said the organization remains committed to ensuring that every child has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive. Those who are interested in supporting the Summer Child Feeding Initiative can donate online at nwpafoodbank.org. Those in need of food can contact the Food Helpline at (814) 459-3663, ext. 117. To learn more about food insecurity in the community, visit FeedingAmerica.org/MaptheMealGap.