Oatmeal, crackers, pasta. For many families in Howard County, providing such food items for children is simple and routine. But county officials say a growing number of youngsters rely on other sources for nutrition, including the county school system, even during the summer.

Last week county officials and school officials joined to announce the launch of the “Weekend Warrior Snack Pack” pro- gram, designed to help bridge the nutrition gap many students face when school is out.

Standing at Stevens Forest Elementary School in front of a van loaded with backpacks filled with items such as apples, cereal, granola bars and macaroni and cheese, County Executive Allan H. Kittleman said the pilot program is part of a larger effort to provide programs for students that will help close the achievement gap and create opportunities.

That larger initiative — called Achieve 24/7 and including investments in early childhood education, child mental health, summer food access and career readiness — was also announced at the kickoff.

Weekend Warrior will distribute back-