SYRACUSE -- The National Action Network and some local churches on Syracuse's Southside are stocking up their food pantries getting ready to feed hungry kids on spring break.

Southside Church of Christ and Payton Memorial Temple Church are two churches participating in Feed the Children Week. The program, sponsored by the National Action Network's Syracuse Chapter, provides free lunches to children during the Syracuse School District's spring break week.

National Action Network Chapter President Walt Dixe says this is the 5th year it has provided meals for children during spring break. Dixie says the number of families going hungry is on the rise. "There are a lot of folks that are losing their jobs. As you know we have been hard hit so every little bit helps," he says.

Effie Hawkins of Payton Memorial Temple Church says the program provides much needed nutrition to children who otherwise wouldn't get enough to eat. "We see a lot of children coming in to eat because we find they don't get to eat at home or the nutrition at home like they should," she says.

Feed the Children Week runs Monday, April 9th through Friday, April 13th. Anyone interested in donating food or volunteering should contact Walt Dixie at (315) 832-0026.