It’s summertime, and, as the song says, the livn’ is easy. But that’s not necessarily the case for needy school children on summer break.

Several problems face kids and families who are less fortunate.

If children get free or reduced-cost meals during the school year, summer can be three months of an empty stomach. If parents couldn’t afford healthy breakfast or lunch when school is in session, they certainly can’t now.

Also, summer is hardly the time most people’s thoughts turn to giving and helping. Instead, were conditioned to think of lending a hand during the winter and especially in the holiday season.

But that won’t sooth a three-year-old crying because of empty stomach. Fortunately, something will.

Area food banks and social service agencies understand the problem and work hard in the summer to support needy families.

The Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank has a list of food items that are particularly needed for kids and families in the summer. The list is surprisingly easy for anyone to fill:

n Canned chicken

n Tuna

n Canned salmon

n Produce / fruit

n Eggs

n Jelly

n Fresh produce

n Baby Formula

n Milk

n Dehydrated pinto beans

n Summer Lunch Program Food (granola bars, fruit cups, raisins, dried fruit, crackers).

All together, the items would hardly fill a grocery sack. But they will fill a empty stomach.

You can drop off donations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the agency, 179 First Ave. S.E.

– Craig Groshart, Issaquah & Sammamish Reporter