Local organization deals with Child Hunger - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Every year, more than 30,000 children in Lucas county don't have enough food to eat.  One organization is stepping up to make sure children in our area get balanced meals before and after school. 

Chances are you've seen them fulfill their mission but you've never heard their name. Children's Hunger Alliance was instrumental in helping Toledo Public Schools implement free universal breakfast, and in the summer the non-profit organization helped support the Feed Lucas County Children program. 

Wendy Huntley is the Regional Director. She tells 13abc,"It's a silent epidemic that we are dealing with at this point and I think people don't automatically think about hunger as an issue a lot of people are out of work and its going to effect families."

Children's Hunger Alliance has been operating out of this Secor office for more than a year now. The organization provides nutritious meals in child care homes and after school sites. This month it will sponsor 31 after school programs. Huntley tells 13abc,"A lot of times...children rely on their meals at school so they rely on their breakfast...and they rely on their lunches..and if there is nothing after school often times these kids go home and they don't have any meals."  

If you operate a child care center in your home, Huntley says they can help you feed the children in your care. 

The non-profit organization receives some state and federal funding but also relies on fundraising to complete its mission. Huntley tells 13abc, "We are always constantly looking for opportunities for grant dollars or to let people know what we are doing to try and help deal with this hunger issue."

If you would like to donate or be a volunteer, you can contact the center at 419-291-8253. You can check out their website at www.childrenshungeralliance.org