The start of June usually marks the beginning of the long-awaited summer months for children. It means spending lazy days on the Pamlico, hanging out with friends, and taking a break from homework.

But for some children in Beaufort County, the start of June means being hungry.

According to a study by the Food Bank of the Albemarle, 24.9 percent of children in Beaufort County are food insecure, or they don’t know from where or when their next meal will come.

This number is only expected to rise in the summer months. Summer has proved to be one of the most challenging times for low- to moderate-income families regarding hunger. When children don’t have access to free lunches at school, finding nutritious meals becomes a challenge.

But, there is absolutely no reason for any child to go hungry this summer in Beaufort County. There are many opportunities around town for children to go if they are in need.

Arts of the Pamlico is teaming up with Care-O-World this summer and holding an “Art Nibbles” campaign that provides free breakfast and lunch and an art project to any child who walks in the door.

The Food Bank of the Albemarle works with a variety of businesses to provide adequate meals for children around the county, such as mobile food pantries in Bath and Pantego and different churches around the community.

Eagle’s Wings is the largest food pantry in the county, and it works every week to provide food assistance. There are other programs or organizations that lend a helping hand, too.

These programs stepping up to tackle summer hunger demonstrate a tremendous amount of support and community outreach that more businesses should consider. One doesn’t have to travel very far to find hunger and poverty — it’s right here at home.

This summer, consider giving back and helping those in need.