Examiner.com – Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio is advocating expanded coverage of the summer feeding program for children in Ohio and across the country. During the school year, many children take part in the federal programs that provide a free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch.

When summer hits and the schools close, children can lose the benefit of these nutritious meals. The summer feeding service program is designed to fill in this gap until school reopens. This program takes on extra importance with the difficult economic times and the increasing poverty rates.

The Children's Hunger Alliance of Ohio has set up a hotline (1-800-481-6885) for parents to find the closest summer feeding site. You simply dial the number and type in the zip code. If a site is not close by, then you can leave a message. Someone will get back to you to discuss the best available options.

If enough people call about a particular area in need, that can help start the ball rolling toward creating a summer feeding site. This collaboration is important as many parts of Ohio do not have summer feeding locations.

Senator Brown recently issued a press release discussing the availability of summer feeding.

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