Across Washington, there is an increasing demand for backpacks at local stores, playgrounds are beginning to fill with the sounds of recess and school buses have started hitting the road in full force. For many parents stretching every dollar to meet their families’ basic needs, fall means something simple yet critical: school lunches and breakfasts will be available again.

But how did families fill the gap over the summer? To answer that question for our elected officials, we recently brought Representative Adam Smith (of Washington’s 9th Congressional District) and Representative Rick Larsen ( 2nd District)  to summer meal sites within their respective districts. The goal was to show them the value of federally funded locations where families get assistance feeding their kids healthy meals when school is out.

It was a beautiful day to eat lunch in Seattle’s Pratt Park last Wednesday where children from the community gather for free lunch during the summer. The day was made even more special because we planned a visit by Congressman Jim McDermott (WA-7) to hand out lunches and talk with the folks who use this incredible program.

“Do you want some milk?” The Congressman asked one of the almost 25 kids who picked up their lunch. Many families use this program to supplement the food they provide at home. That’s why summer meal programs are so important – they reach children whose families are struggling to find room in tight budgets to replace meals kids receive at school during the school year.

“Eating healthy meals is absolutely an essential part of child development. This program fills a huge gap,” said Congressman McDermott.