Share SummerSLAM
Share is dedicated to helping children in our community … more than 600 children attend Share’s SummerSLAM program each year, receiving free breakfast, lunch and an educational enrichment program.
In our community, more than 31,000 children are eligible for free or reduced-cost meals through the schools. Two innovative programs—the Backpack Program and SummerSLAM—have been successful in addressing this alarming truth and providing meals for children in need when school doors are closed.
SummerSLAM
During the school year, many children receive free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch through our local schools. But what happens when school lets out? Hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process.
Share’s SummerSLAM (Student Learning Active Minds) program operates in partnership with WSU Vancouver, Evergreen and Vancouver Public Schools and numerous volunteers. Emergency food relief is offered by providing extra free food to families during the program, as well as providing breakfast and lunch each day to more than 600 children that participate.
The curriculum works to increase development, academic, athletic and social skills, as well as supply fun and healthy activities during summer when they might otherwise engage in risk-taking behavior. SummerSLAM also provides added nutrition to a population that is otherwise at risk of being hungry during the critical time away from school’s free breakfasts and lunches. The program serves elementary and pre-school-aged children.
The kids participate in computer classes, art classes, bridge building and outdoor activities, a weekly program provided by OMSI, plus go on field trips, including one to the Pearson Air Museum. All of this is provided at no cost to the participants.
The program is a partnership with Evergreen and Vancouver Public Schools and WSU Vancouver/”At Home at School” AHAS Program. Activities are led by students pursuing their masters in teaching degree at WSU Vancouver, as part of the AHAS Program. Additionally, many community volunteers donate their time to provide their own areas of expertise in the arts, languages and sciences.
To support our Children’s Hunger Initiative, contact: Carla Christian, Hunger Response Coordinator, at (360) 693-8923 or hungercoor@sharevancouver.org.
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