Helping Kids Stay Fed All Summer: ICA Kids’ Summer Market

Helping Kids Stay Fed All Summer: ICA’s Kids' Summer Market

Summer should be a time of fun, play, and sunshine—not a time when families have to worry about how to feed their children. But for many local families, the summer months bring added financial stress. Without access to school meals, budgets are stretched thinner, and pantries run out faster.

That’s why ICA’s Kids' Summer Market is such a vital program in our community. This summer, 710 kids from 1,260 households have already benefited from the program, receiving nutritious, kid-friendly food options to help fill the gap when school meals aren't available.

Each summer, ICA sets up a special section inside our food shelf just for families with school-aged children. It’s stocked with easy-to-prepare items that kids love—and that parents appreciate for their convenience and nutrition. Families can choose from popular items like mac and cheese, ravioli, oatmeal, rice, PB&J sandwich fixings, crackers, and snacks. Fresh fruit—such as apples, pears, oranges, and grapefruit—is also a staple, providing a healthy boost that works for a wide range of cultural preferences and dietary needs.

“We’ve heard from so many parents who are thankful for the extra options for their kids,” says Katie Born, Food Logistics Coordinator at ICA. “Having the ability to pick out snacks and food their children will actually eat makes a huge difference.”

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Families consistently express gratitude for the extra food and the ability to choose what works best for their kids. For many, it’s not just about getting food—it’s about getting food their kids like, will eat, and feel excited about.

Whether it’s a child grabbing their favorite snack after a day at the park or a parent knowing there’s fresh fruit on hand for breakfast, ICA’s Kids' Summer Market ensures that summer is just a little easier—and a lot more nourishing—for hundreds of families in our area.