Summer is a time of fun for children across Florida, but for many families, it also brings a harsh reality – greater challenges in feeding their kids nutritious meals. When schools let out for the summer or access to school meals changes, kids lose a vital source of daily nutrition. At the same time, rising grocery prices and financial pressures force parents to stretch already tight budgets, often with painful trade-offs.
A recent statewide poll by Change Research for No Kid Hungry Florida reveals the depth of this struggle. More than half of parents worry about providing enough nutritious food during summer, and two-thirds say making ends meet becomes even harder. Disturbingly, 68% report taking on additional debt due to increased food costs when school meals are less accessible. The impact is greatest in Black and Hispanic communities, especially women of color. Many families face emotional stress and impossible choices between feeding their kids and covering essentials like rent or healthcare.
One clear solution is Florida joining the federal Summer EBT program, also known as the SUN Bucks program, which helps eligible families buy groceries during the summer when school meals are harder to access. Though the state hasn’t opted in, 82% of Floridians support participation. Families say the extra support would help them afford nutritious foods like fresh produce and proteins. With 96% agreeing no child should go hungry and 90% urging leaders to act, there’s strong bipartisan momentum to ensure kids have the food they need year-round.
Explore the full poll findings below to better understand these challenges – and why programs like SUN Bucks are critical to ending childhood hunger this summer and beyond.
Floridians Say: No Child Should Go Hungry This Summer
