COVID-19 has over 40% of American families worried about how to feed their children right now. And what's worse, according to the Food Research & Action Center, one in seven families actually can't afford enough food to feed their families. Kids are going hungry, and this is serious.

Given our mission to make healthy the new normal for kids in America, we couldn't just stand by. So in honor of #GivingTuesday, Spartan Kids Foundation partnered with one of the nation's leading providers of meals for kids: Blessings in a Backpack, to help raise almost $35,000 to provide a full weekend of meals for over 8500 children. We know it's just a dent, but SKF is committed to helping mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on U.S. families—both now and in the future to come.

In addition, as part of our #BeUnbreakable campaign, we've launched a new SKF website with ways for you to donate, and activities (updated weekly) to keep kids occupied and sharp during these uncertain times. Donations go partly to our newly launched SKF Food Grants Program, which works with youth organizations and schools to feed hungry kids during this national Coronavirus emergency.

Related: Parenting Through a Pandemic: 7 Tips to Keep You (and Your Kids) Firing on All Cylinders

"The Spartan credo of resilience, optimism and  overcoming obstacles has never been more timely than it is right now," says Spartan Kids Foundation Co-Founder Al Schreiber. "The Kids Foundation looks forward to continuing to bring this important message to Spartan kids and parents through our Foundation programs and new web platform."

How Spartan Kids Foundation Helps Underserved Children

SKF was founded four years ago to give underserved children in the U.S. an opportunity to pursue their own athletic dreams, helping support the quality of life they deserve. The organization is 100% funded by donations from over 110,000 Spartans, 3rd party sponsors and other outside fundraising efforts. And all proceeds go toward helping thousands of underprivileged children participate in Spartan Kids races, and get first-hand Spartan SGX Fitness training and nutrition advice that they otherwise wouldn't receive.

Since its inception, SKF has helped bring better health and fitness programming to over 50,000 underserved children in more than 200 schools and youth organizations. SKF has also distributed over 1500 free Kids Race tickets to children who could not otherwise afford to attend. And last year, we launched the SKF Fitness Grants initiative that has awarded $1,000 cash stipends to support fitness programs for 30 Title 1 schools nationwide.

Related: Your Unbreakable Day: 10 Minutes of Tabata in Your Backyard and a New Kids Workout

But now, more than ever, it's important we step up. And to do this, innovation is essential to respond to new needs for at-home support and childcare for essential workers and medical personnel. Our brand new SKF Food Grants program, which works with schools and local youth organizations such as YMCA, provides meals for kids who are no longer in school and children of first responders and essential workers. Digitally, kids can tune in to our rotating menu of healthy, fun, at-home experiences such as virtual workouts (live streaming exercises), stimulating games, yoga and mindfulness practices, cultural events (like virtual museum tours), and “indoor/outdoor” experiences (like a “live” zoo visit) helps engage kids and keep them off of the couch.

Join Us to Give Back and Do Your Part

When our children are hurting, it's everyone's problem. So whether you have kids at home or not, we invite you to check out the new SKF website, spartankidsfoundation.org, and do your best to give back in the way you can. Together, with grit, determination and community, we will get through this crisis more Spartan-Strong than ever before.