Local all-volunteer nonprofit HUGS St. Johns has partnered with St. Johns County Parks and Recreation to launch a new program designed to combat food insecurity among local children-in-need during the summer months. The program was designed to augment HUGS’ existing school-based emergency food pantry program at 20 St. Johns County public school locations. Both the summer camp pantries and school-based pantries are restocked monthly with kid-friendly, grab-and-go meals so children facing hardships may bring them home as needed. Here, Ponte Vedra High students Sam Cills, left, and Jackson Miller help HUGS St. Johns to coordinate the summer program and deliveries to three Parks and Recreation camp locations in St. Augustine and Hastings. Parks and Rec staff then identify children who may benefit from the take-home meals. Go to stjohnshugs.org for more information or to make a donation.
