Summer feeding programs provide food to 900,000 children from poor families in Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – Thanks to permanent funding for a statewide summer feeding program, nearly 900,000 school-age children in Michigan will have access to meals.

Senator Debbie Stabenow made the announcement Wednesday along with community leaders in Grand Rapids.

We were told that the funding would help solve the problem of hunger that occurs during the summer when children lack the breakfast and lunch they would normally receive at school.

“Summer should be a time when children can learn, grow and play without worrying about where their next meal is coming from. I am so proud that the Governor and State Legislature have taken action to ensure that every child in Michigan has access to healthy meals during the school year,” said Senator Stabenow. “My legislative victory aims to ensure that children have equal access to healthy meals during the summer, regardless of where they live in Michigan. This brings us one step closer to ending childhood hunger.”

For eligible children ages 18 and under, the following programs are currently available, as outlined by Stabenow’s office:

• Traditional summer dishes: No registration is required for meals and leisure activities on site.
• Country dishes to take away: In select rural areas, families can receive free meals for pickup or delivery.
• Summer EBT: This program provides low-income families with $120 per child to purchase food at grocery stores. To qualify, households must receive assistance in the form of Medicaid or SNAP, or the child must be eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

For more information on traditional dishes and country meals to go, visit the State of Michigan website.

Click here to learn more about the EBT Summer Program.

Click here to view more resources.

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