{"id":15150,"date":"2026-05-11T18:54:04","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T18:54:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/state.nokidhungry.org\/new-york\/?p=15150"},"modified":"2026-05-11T18:54:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T18:54:04","slug":"championing-summer-nutrition-caitlin-lazarski-joins-no-kid-hungrys-national-summer-ebt-champion-network","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/state.nokidhungry.org\/new-york\/championing-summer-nutrition-caitlin-lazarski-joins-no-kid-hungrys-national-summer-ebt-champion-network\/","title":{"rendered":"Championing Summer Nutrition: Caitlin Lazarski Joins No Kid Hungry\u2019s National Summer EBT Champion Network"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”15153″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][vc_column_text]As summer approaches, ensuring children have consistent access to nutritious meals becomes increasingly important. No Kid Hungry New York is proud to recognize Caitlin Lazarski, Director of School Nutrition at <\/span>Pine Bush Central School District<\/span><\/a>, as a member of our national<\/span> Summer EBT Champion Network<\/span><\/a>\u2014a group of dedicated leaders, from across the country, committed to raising awareness and expanding access to Summer EBT.These champions play a vital role in sharing best practices, amplifying outreach, and supporting equitable access to summer nutrition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A School Leader\u2019s Perspective on Summer Hunger<\/b><\/h4>\n

In her role within a New York school community, Caitlin witnesses firsthand how food insecurity impacts students and families\u2014particularly when school is out of session.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn New York, we are fortunate to offer Healthy School Meals for All students at no cost to families throughout the school year. As the cost of living continues to rise, school meals provide substantial savings to families from September through June. Summer can be the most difficult time for our families as they juggle daycare and additional food expenses for their children. Summer EBT helps to lessen some of the financial burden so that our families can provide their children with nutritious meals even when school is not in session.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her insight underscores the critical role Summer EBT plays in bridging the gap between school years and supporting families when they need it most.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Summer EBT Matters for School Communities<\/b><\/h4>\n

Even though schools do not administer the program directly, they remain trusted hubs of information and support for families. Caitlin emphasizes the broader impact Summer EBT has on student success:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSummer EBT is important for school communities because we recognize that children coming from food-insecure households are at greater risk of the \u2018summer slide.\u2019 We want to help ensure our students have the nutrition they need to learn and grow throughout the entire year.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

By helping families access nutrition during the summer, schools can support both student well-being and academic achievement.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Essential Role Schools Play in Outreach<\/b><\/h4>\n

Schools are uniquely positioned to connect families with vital resources like Summer EBT. With most households connected to the public education system, school leaders and staff serve as trusted messengers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSchools have an important role in providing information to families on Summer EBT benefits. The majority of households with children under 18 are in some way connected to the public school system. Our role is to provide information and support to those families so that they understand how to apply for and access Summer EBT benefits for their children.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

By sharing timely and accurate information, schools can significantly increase program awareness and participation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Advice for Schools Supporting Summer EBT<\/b><\/h4>\n

For schools looking to strengthen their outreach efforts, Caitlin offers practical and effective guidance:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPromote the program in several areas, multiple times throughout the late spring and summer. Social media communication is a great way to communicate with parents and to provide direct links to the application. We also cross-promote Summer EBT with our weekly rural non-congregate summer meals. Each week, we send a reminder email to families signed up for the meal pick-up program. Within that email, we also provide direct links to the Summer EBT website and application.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her approach highlights how consistent, multi-channel communication can ensure families receive the support they need.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Call to Action for New York Schools<\/b><\/h4>\n

As the summer months draw near, No Kid Hungry New York encourages schools across the state to follow Caitlin\u2019s lead by promoting Summer EBT to their communities. Simple actions\u2014such as sharing information through newsletters, social media, robocalls, and summer meals programs\u2014can make a meaningful difference in helping families put food on the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

Together, we can ensure that every child in New York has access to the nutrition they need to thrive year-round.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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