LSSNEFL CEO, Bill Brim, talks 'Feed the Future' hunger-free summer campaign on First Coast Connect

LSSNEFL Presidents and CEO, Bill Brim, (left) next to First Coast Connect Host, Melissa Ross after an interview about the Feed the Future summer donation drive on Thursday, June 1st, 2023. More children are at a higher rick of hunger in the summer, and the Feed the Future campaign aims to raise $10,000 to support the LSS Hunger Relief programs.

Summertime, for many, means vacations, and days of play in the sun. But for some children and families, it's a time of less access to food.

Thousands of children in Northeast Florida rely on free and reduced lunch programs. And Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida is expecting greater need for food from families this summer.

DONATE TODAY: Feed children and families in need this summer

On June 1st, LSSNEFL President and CEO, Bill Brim, discussed the issue of summer hunger during WJCT's First Coast Connect With Melissa Ross.

"It's heartbreaking to think of a child or a family to go without food," Brim said during the live interview. LSSNEFL forecasts the need in the summer to increase by about 10% based off of previous years. The LSS Food Pantry is already seeing a 30% need increase in 2023 compared to this time in 2022.

In addition, Brim said Lutheran Social Services is responding to the need by kicking off the "Feed the Future" summer campaign. The goal of the campaign is to raise at least $10,000 for the LSS Hunger Relief programs by June 30th. Help us reach our goal by making a donation at lssjax.org/feedthefuture.org.

Listen to the full episode here, and scroll to 35 minutes in the show for Bill's interview.

Stay up to date on Jacksonville's community news by tuning into First Coast Connect with Melissa Ross Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. on WJCT 89.9 FM.