Feeding students during summer break [Video]

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) – As summer break arrives, students are excited to get a break from homework. This also means schools cannot provide meals for those students in need. In response, the YMCA created Summer Sustenance.

“Initially, it was to address the hunger issues here in Rapid City,” said James Jackson the food service director for the YMCA. “So, with the YMCA being a part of it we were able to provide these children with a healthy option and healthy alternative and a constant meal throughout the full year.”

According to Feeding South Dakota, in 2021, 9 percent of Pennington County people did not have enough food to live a healthy, active or full life. This number jumped to 11.8 percent in 2022. Providing nutritious meals to students who face food insecurity became a goal for the Y.

“Over the summer, we always focus on macronutrients. So, protein, fats and carbohydrates. So, making …