With the school year in full swing and students back in the classrooms, the Salvation Army of Bridgeport is reflecting on its summer literacy program.

The Salvation Army Southern New England Division kicked off "A Summer of Stories and Snacks" program on July 1 in Bridgeport. The program, now in its fourth year, provides free books and meals to children when they're out of school, keeping them engaged and helping to combat food insecurity.

"Kids want to read. You know, with this digital world and everything, it's just pictures and images. I think it's important to go back to develop our imagination, you know, through the world, through the books," Maj. Gerardo Balmori, of the Salvation Army of Bridgeport said.

Since its inception, the program has expanded to 12 locations, with nine in Connecticut. Maj. Gerardo Balmori and his wife, Maj. Monica Balmori, traveled to local beaches and parks to find kids and encourage them to read.

They brought along a wagon full of books. Kids had the opportunity to listen to a story while eating a balanced meal.

"We served around 156 children, and we gave away more than 300 books for them," Maj. Monica Balmori said.

With kids back to school, the Balmoris said they aren't waiting until next summer to do more outreach in the community.

"Winter break. Easter break. We can go because that is when the kids aren't doing anything. So, they need it more, somebody or something to read on and some activity to do," Balmori said.

Since the start of the program, the Salvation Army has distributed 4,000 books and served 1,800 lunches to children in need.