Growing through summer: why consistent meals matter for kids like Roman
For 13-year-old Roman, warmer days are best spent in the water.
“I love going to the pool in the summer,” he said. “I love swimming in the ocean, going to the water park. I do the slides. Being in the water just feels really good.”
This summer, Roman is also helping teach his youngest sister, Mh’Lena, how to swim.
But all that time in the pool, at the beach and playing outside with friends and siblings takes energy. For active kids like Roman, consistent access to meals helps support those moments.
“Being full gives me the energy to play,” Roman said.
Roman lives in California with his mom, dad and three sisters. During the school year, he and his siblings eat breakfast and lunch at school, where meals are part of their daily routine. When school is out, the family visits a nearby food pantry to help maintain access to the food they need to thrive.
Roman and his sisters share a snack together outdoors.
Across the country, more than 20 million children rely on school meals throughout the academic year. In the summer months, many families are left navigating a shift in routine while still making sure kids have consistent access to food.
Even outside the classroom, this time of year remains a period of learning and discovery for kids.
Growth, for Roman, happens in the water. It looks like building confidence, staying active and helping his younger sister learn something new.
Having enough food means Roman can focus on being a kid. Swimming with friends. Racing down water slides. Teaching his little sister something he loves.
For Roman, summer is not just a break from school. It is a chance to keep growing.