Kids Helping Other Kids Who Go Hungry During Summer

Thousands of Minnesota kids who are on free or reduced lunch during the school year do not have access to those meals during the summer.

That's why the three major food banks in the Twin Cities are working to get those kids fed.

However, to ensure the meals get to the right place, the nonprofits need to have volunteers.

Millions of rice kernels are meticulously being sorted, poured into bags, sealed, and weighed.

The morning total was 2,000 pounds. It is volunteer hours that kids with Golden Valley Lutheran Church enjoy.

"I've been filling bags with rice and putting the labels in and it's been very fun," Lily Provenzano said.

The kids take their work seriously.

"You want to make it the best quality you can for other people," Provenzano said.

Even though it's Provenzano's 11th birthday, she is happy to spend it at Second Harvest.

"It's better to give than receive," Provenzano said.

A few feet away in the food warehouse, dozens of other kids with Shepherd of The Valley Lutheran Church are labeling cans.

Lindsi Gish says volunteers help the nonprofit feed 500,000 people throughout the year, and many who need help are children.

"About 40 percent of the people we serve are kids, so the kids that are here today I think really like to know that they're helping other kids," Gish said.

With the dozens of extra hands, in just 10 minutes, about 2,600 pounds of pinto beans are packed and ready for families to take home.

Knowing kids, possibly their classmates will benefit, makes this service project even more rewarding.

If you would like to help donate to the Summer for Harvest Kids Campaign, go to www.kstp.com and click on the Summer for Harvest logo at the top left of the screen.