When school is out for the summer, so are free and reduced-price school meals. Many children and families in the Chelsea area and Washtenaw County rely on this crucial source of food to meet their nutritional needs. To bridge the summertime meal gap, Food Gatherers offers summer food resources.
Food Gatherers’ Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) offers “Grab and Go” meals for kids at locations throughout the county from June 16 to August 14. At each weekly distribution, families receive seven breakfasts and seven lunches for each child in the household, along with shelf-stable milk. Children do not need to be present, and individuals can pick up meals on behalf of other families.
“By offering Grab and Go Meals, we hope to help more children and families get the nutrition they need to have a fun, healthy summer,” said LeRonica Roberts, Food Gatherers Community Food Programs Manager. “We encourage families to visit the site that works best for them, each week they need to during the summer.”
Food Gatherers Summer Food Service Program operates at locations eligible for the Grab and Go model, which is intended to promote access to all parts of the county. Meals are available to all children, regardless of their address or the school district they attend. Meal schedules and a map of locations are available on Food Gatherers’ website: FoodGatherers.org/Summer. Families can also call Food Gatherers at 734-761-2796 for assistance.
Free meals will be available to children 18 years of age and under, or to persons up to 26 years of age who are enrolled in an educational program recognized by a state or local public educational agency. The meals are provided without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.
In addition to SFSP, Food Gatherers will also distribute Kroger Bags for Kids, which are full of kid-friendly snacks, ready-to-eat food, and beverages such as juice boxes. This program, sponsored by Kroger, will increase kid-friendly food available at existing pantry locations throughout the county.
Resources for families:
- Chelsea and Dexter: Contact faithinaction1.org for resources and assistance
- Washtenaw County:
- Food Gatherers Summer Food Service Program: foodgatherers.org/summer
- Searchable map to find free grocery and meal programs in Washtenaw County: foodgatherers.org/foodresources/ or call 734-761-2796.
- State of Michigan:
- Sign up for SUN Bucks federal program that gives $120 in food benefits during the summer to qualifying families with school-age children: michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/food/summer-ebt
- Use the locator map at mcgi.state.mi.us/schoolnutrition to find a nutritious meal site in Michigan
About Food Gatherers
Food Gatherers’ mission is to alleviate hunger and eliminate its root causes in Washtenaw County. Last year, their food bank and food rescue program distributed 10.3 million pounds of food to more than 140 non-profit programs serving adults, seniors, and children. For a list of partner programs or to learn how to get involved in the fight against hunger locally, visit foodgatherers.org or call 734-761-2796.
