With summer heating up, millions of children are struggling to find the fun in the season. Their families are stretching their budgets to the breaking point. With almost 30 million students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals at school, this summer could be catastrophic.

When we think of summer, we think of carefree days. For many students, that’s the case. But research shows that there’s a downside to that.

“I keep everything that they send me, and it’s all on my desk. I display it so my coworkers can come by and see how beautiful each of the children are,” Deb Riley told us, smiling and glancing at half-dozen photocopied pictures.

Most of us imagine summer break as a time of play and relaxation for kids. The phrase “summer slide” sounds like it belongs in that picture – like a slide at a playground or water park, it should be something fun, right?

Hunger is around us every day. During the summer months, the problem can affect even more kids. Almost 30 million students in U.S. public schools qualify for the federally assisted meal program. Students who receive a free or reduced-price school lunch during the school year are especially at risk in the summer.

Joyce held off on visiting a food pantry for as long as she could. She’s received support in the form of Christmas gifts and school supplies for her kids from her local YMCA, but there’s something about accepting food that feels different.

Because the school was so far, many of the younger children in the community just didn’t attend – the distance was too far. Parents would keep their children at home until they felt the kids were strong enough to endure the long walk.

Healthy eating is a privilege. And like all privileges, how much of it a person can enjoy depends on several different factors. In this case, distance from a grocery store, access to transportation and (of course) money all impact how easy it is for someone to eat well.