As summer approaches, many people are thinking about vacations and sunny adventures, but at FMSC, summer looks very different. From June to August, volunteer numbers traditionally take a dip as school groups break for summer and families shift into a different routine.

But while things may slow down in our packing rooms, the need for food only increases — especially during what’s known as the lean season.

What is lean season?

The lean season is the most difficult time of year for families who rely on farming to survive. It typically falls between June and August — after the previous harvest has run out, but before the next one begins. During this critical window, food becomes scarce and prices rise, putting millions of lives at risk.

In 2025, the lean season is expected to drive nearly 53 million people across vulnerable regions into severe food insecurity.

That’s why summer volunteering isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

Why volunteering in summer is so impactful

Every volunteer who walks through our doors helps pack nutritious MannaPack® meals that are sent to communities facing hunger crises around the world. In the summer, when volunteer shifts are harder to fill, your time becomes even more powerful.

Missing volunteers mean fewer meals packed. Fewer meals packed means less food reaching children and families who need it most—especially in places like Burkina Faso during the lean season.

How FMSC meals are making a difference in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is one of the countries most impacted during the lean season. Our partners on the ground use FMSC meals to strengthen critical relief efforts, including:

• Clean water access programs – helping communities stay healthy and resilient.
• Community support – providing care for vulnerable groups, including the elderly.
• Displacement relief – offering essentials to internally displaced people (IDP) who have fled conflict or climate crises.

You can be the difference this summer

Summer schedules fill up quickly — but hunger doesn't take a break. Giving just a few hours of your time can mean the difference between hunger and hope for a child facing the worst season of the year.

Whether you're a student on break, a parent with kids out of school or simply someone looking to make an impact — now is the time to act.

Sign up to volunteer at your nearest FMSC packing site today

Let’s stand together this summer to fight hunger when it hits hardest. Turn hunger into hope with your own two hands by signing up to volunteer now at fmsc.org/volunteer