LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas valley kids can cure their hunger pains this summer by sending a text message.
You may have seen a social media post with this claim recently. It almost sounds too good to be true, but it is true!
It's pretty simple. The "No Kid Hungry" campaign's text service connects your kids to free meal services in your area.
Just type "Food" or "Comida" and send it to 877-877.
Type in your zip code next and you get a list of places near you where kids 18 and under can eat for free.
RELATED: CCSD kicks off summer meal program
Recent social media posts have brought in more kids looking for breakfast or lunch at Stupak Community Center.
Recreation Leader Deidre Thomas says, "I've heard them say they've heard about it on Facebook, Instagram, somebody on Snapchat."
She works closely with Three Square to provide food to dozens of kids 18 and under everyday.
No paperwork, no proof of income needed.
RELATED: Feeding Las Vegas valley students during summer break
Each child can visit the locations and just eat.
"It's giving them things that they may not get at home or in other places. It's fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, things that they may not try if they weren't coming here."
The text service and free meal program isn't new but through social media more and more families in need are hearing about the services available to them while school is out.
Stephen Pechonis is one of the kids benefiting from the program. "It's hard in the mornings because my mom goes to work early and my dad's never home."
The federal government estimates 4 million children in the united states face hunger during the summer months.
Kids tell me they're thankful school districts and organizations are doing their best to step in and fill the gap so no child is left hungry.
"It helps us because when our parents aren't around to feed us when they bring us over here we can have lunch or whatever that they don't have time to make," says Stephen.
