It may be hard to imagine now, but in a few short months, it will be summer break for public school students. When schools close for the year, too many students will lose the safety and security they have only when they are at school.

There they are surrounded by resources ranging from teachers able to provide the education they need to things as simple as working air conditioning and at least two meals a day. For far too many kids in West Virginia, those simple things do not exist at home.

According to state Department of Education data, an average of 202,273 children depend on free and reduced-price meals provided at school. That’s more than 75% of students. What happens to those kids when school is not in session?

Many are still fed through the Department of Education’s summer food service program, at food sites such as schools, churches, community centers, pools, parks, libraries, housing complexes and summer camps.

“Supporting these sites in your community is one of the most important things you can do to ensure all children have uninterrupted access to nutritious meals this summer,” said state Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch.

That’s where the rest of us come in. Community organizations serve as partners and summer sponsors for the program, and it is time for them to once again step up.

Those interested in making a difference for local kids can contact Cybele Boehm or Samantha Reeves with the Department of Education’s Office of Child Nutrition at cboehm@k12.wv.us or snsnuffer@k12.wv.us or 833-627-2833.

Providing a safe place and meals for the summer will make a difference for thousands of West Virginia kids. Without those who partner with the summer food program, too many students could endure a summer the rest of should be grateful we can’t fathom.