November Meal Bag and Meal Kit of the Month

Hello, friends!

As November approaches, we are posting what is included in this month’s meal bag, as well as our monthly meal kit! Recipe card is included in the bag. Also noting gluten free and vegetarian meal kit options are available as well. Please stay tuned for our Thanksgiving bag delivery date, and this year, we will add a $25 Walmart gift card. As always, we are here for you as we navigate these uncertain times.

With love,

Shanay

Founder of Every Kid Fed

November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and WIC Benefits Delayed

Due to the ongoing government shutdown, millions of Americans who receive SNAP benefits will have their benefits delayed, beginning November 1st. SNAP is funded federally, and administered by states to assist low-income families in buying food.

Every Kid Fed has formulated a plan to not only ramp up and expand snack bags locally, we will provide $25 Walmart gift cards to families that have had their benefits frozen. You also do not have to live in California to receive this donation. Our gift card donation sign up will be available the first week of November.

If further assistance is needed, please use our contact page.

Last, it is important to use the remaining balance on your SNAP/CalFresh card, and utilize your local food banks and churches.

For more information on local food assistance programs and resources, please visit Cafoodbanks.org.

For those seeking additional food assistance, you can find your local food bank by visiting the Feeding America website. They offer a comprehensive directory to help connect you with resources in your area. This support is vital in building a healthy future for children and families in need.
Visit: https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank/all-food-banks to locate a food bank near you.

These are trying times, but we are here to support you.

With love,

Shanay + team

War in Ukraine Fuels Starvation in Somalia

A woman holding her child in Somalia.

In Somalia, known as the Horn of Africa, Somalians are facing a catastrophic combination of Covid-19, drought due to climate change, starvation, conflict, and high food prices. 92 percent of grains come from Russia and Ukraine, and due to Russia’s war in Ukraine, it has pushed severe food shortages, which has resulted in food insecurity and child deaths, with Somalia on the brink of famine.

In addition, millions of drought funding from Western capitals have been drawn away from Somalia to focus on the war in Ukraine, leaving many to flee to camps for immediate food and assistance. Many haven’t been so lucky.

At mother and children centers in Somalia’s northern Puntland region, every other child admitted there was reported as severely malnourished. Halima Omar, tells her story to reporters that four of her six children are dead. “There is nothing in the world worse than watching your own child die in front of your eyes because you cannot feed him,” she states. “I am losing hope.”

This is a great concern, as millions of lives are at risk. We must work together to ensure no child continues to die from acute malnutrition, and that Somalia has the resources they need. The Dr. Thompson Foundation has pledged to donate to bridge the funding relief gap at the World Food Programme. Let’s sound the alarm and mobilize worldwide to help Somalia in their time of need.

To help the World Food Programme, visit https://www.wfp.org/emergencies/somalia-emergency

Dr. Thompson

Dr. Thompson Visits Children’s Hospital in Rome

An image of Dr. Thompson outside of Bambino Gesu Children’s Hospital in Rome, Italy before meeting with children and staff to drop off gifts to sick children. Bambino Gesu Hospital is the Italian main pediatric hospital and serves as a research hospital as well.

Welcome to Every Kid Fed Abroad

This section will document Shanay’s travel experiences abroad visiting orphanages, high poverty schools, food deserts, and making a difference to the lives of locals. She will also share her thoughts on global issues pertaining to child food insecurity, health, and nutrition.