It is estimated that more than 12 million children who qualify to receive a free or reduced-price lunch during the academic year may be deprived of this vital meal during the summer months when school is out. To help combat that trend locally, Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove (BGCGG) is the recipient of a little extra help in the form of a $9,000 Summer Servings grant through a partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and the Wal-Mart Foundation to ensure that Club members have access to nutritious meals and snacks this summer.

"This grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation is greatly appreciated, as it comes at a time when so many families are struggling to provide their children with healthy meals this summer. We are able to step up and help our families during these hard economic times," said Pat Halberstadt, Chief Professional Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove.

The Summer Servings grant will help BGCGG impact 600 members at all 5 Clubs and the Family Campus Preschool. The goal of the program is to instill healthy eating habits by providing wholesome snacks that include fruits, vegetables, granola bars, crackers, baked chips, and water.

The program started beginning of July and lasts through the end of September. However, the long term goal is to encourage this healthy change for life. The Clubs will recruit parents to join a free Lean Start Program, a fun, interactive, and educational course that focuses on four pillars of health: lifestyle, exercise, attitude, and nutrition. "One of the biggest problems in kids is obesity. This could lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol," said Angelica Molina, Family Support Manager of BGCGG, "However, the trend now is to eat nutritious meals. Even fast food restaurants are offering healthier alternatives."

The funds provided by Wal-Mart are part of its ongoing commitment to help people live better by fighting hunger and supporting U.S. food banks. With a new commitment to providing healthy, summer meals to children who receive free or reduced-price lunches during the school year, the Wal-Mart Foundation is donating $7.8 million to expand its hunger relief efforts, of which BGCA is one of the beneficiaries.

The Clubs are open daily serving more than 5,000 young people daily. To learn more about the Summer Food Program or joining the Lean Start Program, please contact Angelica Molina at 714-530-0430 ext. 982. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove or how to join, please visit www.bgcgg.org.