MUSC Initiative: ‘Kids Eat Free’ Summer Program Takes Off

Charleston, S.C: Local Community Tackles Food Insecurity

In a determined effort to combat food insecurity among children across the Lowcountry, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has opened its doors for its 10th annual summer meal program. With the school holidays in full swing, many children lose access to school-provided meals. Yesterday marked the start of the Kids Eat Free MUSC initiative, which helps to bridge this nutritional gap.

Collaboration for a Cause

Since 2015, MUSC, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Education, has provided over 42000 free meals to children under 18 years old across Charleston. Now into its 10th year, the program aims to continue its mission to alleviate the food insecurity those children may face during their summer break.

Community First

The ‘Kids Eat Free’ program underlines MUSC’s commitment to address local issues and make a significant societal impact. It is open to all children in the community, no financial proof of need is required. Laura Nance, the Office of Health Promotion Program coordinator, expressed her gratitude to all who have contributed to the program’s decade-long success in her recent statement.

“As we celebrate a decade of service, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to the success of Kids Eat Free at MUSC – our dedicated volunteers, compassionate food-service staff and committed leaders. Together, we have made a difference through compassion, community and collective action to shape a brighter, healthier future,” she commented.

Program Details

Meal service hours differ across the various MUSC locations throughout Charleston. At the Keith Summey Medical Pavilion in North Charleston, the service runs from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the Main University Hospital campus and Ashley River Tower Hospital will be offering meals from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All locations have regular service, Monday through Friday until August 9th.

How to Get Involved

MUSC welcomes community members who wish to volunteer or wish to gain more information about the program to contact the Office Health Promotion. Their continued participation ensures the program’s future success in achieving its objectives to feed the young community members during the most food-vulnerable period in their year.

This ‘Kids Eat Free’ program is a remarkable example of how community involvement and institutional commitment can effectively contribute to the welfare of our society. It further demonstrates the value MUSC places on ensuring the overall well-being of their community. In these trying times, such initiatives serve as a beacon of hope and effectively demonstrate the power of collective action.