BRUNSWICK — A new Cumberland County Ameri- Corps hunger program with the National Anti-Hunger and Opportunity Corps has begun work with Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program to recruit volunteers to raise awareness of the program. To volunteer in the fight against hunger in your community visit www.hungervolunteer.org

“Feeding our kids healthy meals over the summer is important, especially when schools are closed and those in need don’t have access to free lunch. We expect to serve at least 5,000 meals this summer and are excited to be starting five new sites in Harpswell, Topsham, and Dresden,” said Ethan Minton, MCHPP Program Director.

In Maine, only 21.8 percent of kids who received free or reduced price school lunch also received summer meals in 2014, but the United States Department of Agriculture funds a toll-free hotline to make it easier than ever before for hungry kids to access meals this summer.

During summer months the USDA National Hunger Hotline, operated by the New York City Coalition Against Hunger, provides information about meal sites where children 18 years old and under can get free, nutritious meals through the USDA Summer Food Service Program. The hotline can be reached at 1- 866-3-HUNGRY 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Friday.