On October 1st HIP launched its first afterschool meal program. Four days a week, youth who come to the Lake City Library’s Homework Help program will now have access to a healthy snack provided by HIP. This means youth can put their full attention towards their tutors when hunger is not a distraction.

Volunteers generously give their time to pass out snacks like apple & cheese slices, PBJ sandwiches, whole wheat muffins, and 100% juice. Erica Olin, long time HIP volunteer and our newest board member, was drawn to volunteer because she loves kids and put simply, “who doesn’t love snack?”

The youth aren’t the only ones who can focus better now that HIP provides a snack during Homework Help. Last year, the library independently provided a snack to youth attending Homework Help. With no access to a kitchen and a limited number of volunteers to spare, it was a strain on the library. By partnering with HIP the library staff can turn its attention and funding back toward providing the best tutoring possible.

Afterschool meals has a strategic place within HIP’s programming. It is a complement to the Healthy HIP Pack program (a weekend food program for kids) and summer meals for kids. By providing programming in a variety of locations and times we are closing gaps and creating a more systematic approach to ending childhood hunger in Northeast Seattle. Serving snack at the Lake City Library is just the start. HIP is actively seeking new partners to expand the afterschool meals program in the upcoming year.  For more information, contact Darcy Buendia, HIP Meal Program Coordinator at darcy@hungerintervention.org.