Food insecurity is a pervasive issue in Polk County, one that disproportionately affects children. The effects of food insecurity ripple across all aspects of their lives, affecting their health, academic achievement, and relationships. This lived experience of so many of the youth we serve is no mere coincidence. It is not due to lack of motivation, intelligence, or grit. It is the lack of basic needs being met. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County, we recognize these needs, and we take them seriously.
The Scoop
According to Feeding America’s 2022 data, 20.8% of Polk County youth, around 33,490 children, experience food insecurity. This means they lack consistent access to sufficient nutritious food, putting their physical and emotional well-being at risk.
Physically, as reported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who face food insecurity tend to experience weakened immune systems, leading to more frequent illness, and are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions like anemia and asthma.
Research published in the journal Pediatrics highlights that children from food-insecure households often experience delayed brain development due to insufficient nutrients, impairing their learning and memory, often resulting in lower academic performance, particularly in reading and math. A report by No Kid Hungry reveals that food-insecure youth score lower on standardized tests and are more likely to drop out of school.
Emotionally, the effects of hunger can be devastating. The American Psychological Association highlights that food-insecure children are more likely to struggle with anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. They may exhibit aggression, hyperactivity, or withdrawal, making it difficult to form healthy relationships with peers and adults.
Feeding Great Futures
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County, we understand the profound impact that food insecurity has. That’s why providing hot, nutritious meals and snacks is a cornerstone of our daily programming. Whether it be after a long school day, early release, or a school closure, our Club kids know that they can count on us for healthy meal options.
We’ve taken monumental steps to address food insecurity in our community. Thanks to Mosaic, from whom we received a $275,000 matching grant in 2020 for our kitchen facility, and our wonderful food program staff, our Joe L. Saunders Club in Bartow has been instrumental in preparing and distributing meals to our Club kids. Last summer, we surpassed one million meals served! This is a testament to our commitment to combating hunger among the youth we serve.
Just this January, our dedicated food program staff were planning for the busy summer months ahead. Our fantastic Director of Food Services Kacy, and our amazing Kitchen Manager, Eddie, headed off to Orlando to attend the two-day SFSP Summer Conference Training hosted by Summer BreakSpot. They know summer is our busiest season for providing hot meals to hungry children who would have no other alternative when school lunches are not an option.
Kacy added, “Every meal we serve is more than just food; it’s an opportunity to bring smiles, support well-being, and create a sense of community. We remain committed to growing our services to reach even more children and families in need, ensuring that no child goes hungry in our community. We are proud of the role BGC Polk plays in combating food insecurity.”
Beyond meals, our clubs offer a safe space where youth can thrive. We provide research-based, tailored programs specifically to serve the needs of the youth in our community.
Triple Play, a favorite of our members, is a health and wellness initiative that improves the overall health of members by increasing daily physical activity, teaching proper nutrition, and assisting in developing healthy relationships. SMART Moves is a prevention curriculum and resiliency training that engages youth in discussions and role-playing to develop and strengthen emotional intelligence, decision-making skills, and responsible behavior. Our mentoring program allows our members to have group or one-on-one time with compassionate, professional staff who strive to be a positive role model in their lives, giving crucial support to youth. Mentoring relationships have proved to be effective tools for improving positive development in youth and deterring poor behavior, violence, and drug use.
Foundations of Great Futures
Addressing food insecurity goes beyond just providing meals—it’s about empowering our youth with real-world skills and a sense of responsibility. That’s why our food program staff launched an initiative for teens at our Joe L. Saunders Club to run an ice machine business in Bartow, located at 1140 E Van Fleet Dr. This program not only generates funds to support our Club operations but also equips participants with hands-on experience in business management.
The youth will take on various roles, from bagging ice and handling inventory to overseeing deliveries, invoicing, and machine maintenance. They will go through a structured hiring process—submitting resumes, interviewing, and completing training—just as they would in a real job. Initially, staff will guide the first round of hiring, but the goal is for the youth to eventually manage the entire operation, including interviewing and training new members.
By taking ownership of a business that directly benefits their community, these young entrepreneurs are developing essential skills in leadership, resourcefulness, and financial literacy—cornerstones of a Great Future. This initiative not only supports the Club but also prepares them for future success by fostering independence and a commitment to service. The full transition to youth management is expected to take place this summer.
Community Action
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County, we are proud to be part of the solution and will continue to pave the way for a hunger-free future for our youth. However, the fight against food insecurity requires collective action. What we do here at BGCPolk would not be possible without the support of our community. We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful grantors and donors at the federal, state, and local level; our dedicated staff; and our passionate volunteers. Each play a crucial role in meeting these identified needs. Food insecurity is more than a statistic, it’s a challenge that affects real lives. As Polk County grows, so does the need for more resources. Can we count on your support in creating a community where every child has access to the basic resources they need to grow, learn, and achieve?
For more information on how you can help us feed great futures, go to Ways To Give or contact a member of our team at info@bgcpolk.org.