In America, one in five children struggle with hunger. Kids who are provided with the proper nutrition get better grades, are less likely to miss school, and are more likely to graduate from high school. This month, Au Bon Pain, an internationally recognized leader in the fast casual category, is making every dollar count by joining thousands of restaurants nationwide to raise funds for No Kid Hungry, a campaign created by the nonprofit Share Our Strength to end childhood hunger in America. Beginning September 27 at participating Au Bon Pain locations across the country, guests who donate $1 to the No Kid Hungry campaign will receive a coupon for one free pastry to be used during their next visit, valid through the end of November. The promotion is scheduled to run through October 27, or while supplies last.

“Sixteen million children in the United States struggle with hunger,” says Ray Blanchette, CEO of Au Bon Pain. “As a restaurant that focuses on offering healthful options for everyone, that’s a number we find unacceptable. Our promotion is just one way we can support No Kid Hungry to help ensure children in America get the nutrition they need, and we are thrilled to be a part of the campaign. With the generosity of our guests and enthusiasm of our employees, we know this promotion will help provide meals to families so their children can learn and thrive.”

In 2015, 13,000 restaurants raised $8.9 million through the Dine Out for No Kid Hungry program, and this year Au Bon Pain is joining the fight with a goal of providing 500,000 meals for kids struggling with hunger here in America. Every dollar donated can feed a child 10 meals through No Kid Hungry’s work to connect vulnerable children to effective nutrition programs like School Breakfast and Summer Meals, creating public-private partnerships that work together to identify and break down barriers to give children access to nutritious meals and teach low-income families how to stretch their food budgets and cook healthy, affordable meals.

“Everyone—from private citizens, to businesses, to policymakers, to nonprofits—has a role in helping end childhood hunger in America, and we are grateful to Au Bon Pain for taking action,” says Billy Shore, founder and CEO of Share Our Strength, the nonprofit organization responsible for the No Kid Hungry campaign. “I encourage everyone to dine out often at Au Bon Pain and other participating restaurants in their area this September and October. We are excited to partner with brands like Au Bon Pain whose commitment to food and community align with our mission.”