Feeding Minnesota: Kids can’t learn when they’re hungry

School is out for the summer and that means many families that rely on school meals for their kids need some help.

Matter is teaming up with the Scott County Library to fill the gap because kids can’t learn if they’re hungry.

When the library system’s Readmobile rolls into a neighborhood, it’s full of books and healthy snacks, and kids come running.

"We were looking to bring books and literacy activities to kids and families who may not be able to make it to the library," said Ally Addison, a learning and outreach specialist for Scott County Library. "And one need that we noticed, especially when we were doing after-school visits, are snacks. So we partnered with Matter to provide healthy snacks for kids."

Matter’s mission is to improve communities. One way they do that is by providing nutritious food to kids.

"So, this is a unique opportunity," said Tami Hedrick, Matter’s national development director. "We tend to work with after-school programs or camps. But this gives us the chance to really get into some communities that we haven’t necessarily been able to access."

The Scott County Library System started the partnership with Matter three years ago. This summer, kids will borrow thousands of books and get healthy snacks from the Readmobile.

"Reading is important, but there’s a hierarchy of needs," Addison said. "And if our basic needs aren’t being met, if we don’t have shelter, if we don’t feel safe, if we don’t feel healthy, if we are hungry, we aren’t able to learn. The brain needs positive experiences in order to learn, and before you can even have a positive experience, you have to have those basic needs met. So, providing a snack, providing food is just one of those basic steps."

Making sure children have the building blocks of early learning when they’re not in school, thanks to the Scott County Library and Matter.

This summer, 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS is Feeding Minnesota. For every dollar donated, Matter’s partners will match up to $15,000.