While summer brings joy and freedom for many children, it also brings a troubling gap in food access for thousands across Appalachia. Americans Helping Americans® is proud to partner with two incredible grassroots organizations to launch summer feeding programs in Tennessee and Virginia—bringing meals directly to where the children are.
Bringing Meals to Jefferson City, TN
In Jefferson City, TN, we’re teaming up with Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies (AMOS) to deliver weekly food boxes to families in need.
“This program would be unique because no one is delivering food to the communities for children during the summer months. I feel like there would be strong participation from the beginning.” — Jean-Ann Washam, AMOS Executive Director
The program focuses on children in low-income housing, delivering three days’ worth of kid-friendly meals like pop-top cans and single-serve items—no stove required. AMOS will operate for eight weeks, reaching 200 individuals from 40 households.
In East Tennessee, half of all students in the Jefferson County School System are at high risk for hunger insecurity.
“Free lunches are provided during the academic year, but there is a gap during the summer months. AMOS could stand in the gap for these families addressing food insecurity.”
With help from the Jefferson City Housing Authority, routes and schedules will ensure families know when and where to receive food.
Overcoming Barriers in North Tazewell, VA
In North Tazewell, VA, all 13 schools in the Tazewell County Public Schools system have a 100% free and reduced lunch rate. With support from Americans Helping Americans, our partner Labor of Love Mission (LOLM) will bring food directly to kids who can’t reach school-based programs.
“Many students simply do not have a way to get to the schools.” — Rene Steele, LOLM Director
Using grant funding, LOLM will equip a van with a cooler/freezer and deliver meals to parks, community centers, and neighborhoods. The meals include:
✔ Shelf-stable goods
✔ Fresh produce & dairy
✔ Ice cream on hot days
With 100% of students relying on free/reduced lunch, the need is dire. LOLM expects to reach 400 children this summer.
Why It Matters
A Deloitte study shows summer hunger leads to:
- Lower graduation rates
- Increased risk of chronic illness
- Accelerated summer learning loss
“Without access to nutritious school meals, many families turn to cheap, calorie-dense foods.”
We’re not just feeding stomachs—we’re fueling futures.
Help Us Keep Kids Fed This Summer
Your support helps us say “yes” to more communities. Let’s ensure no child goes hungry this summer.
$2,500 per week for 8 weeks, spread throughout 9 locations, can ensure that 150 children are fed this summer. That’s just $17 per child for a week of lunch.
Donate – provide summer food to a child.
