Ann Arbor — When school is out for the summer, students and families who rely on free and reduced-price meals lose access to an important source of food.
To bridge the meal gap for children during the summer months, Food Gatherers will sponsor the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) for children in Washtenaw County from June 20 to August 18. The 2023 program is offered in partnership with the Michigan Department of Education and with support from Toyota Research & Development and Lake Trust Credit Union Foundation.
This summer is the first time the program will return to the congregate “Eat and Play” model since 2019. During the pandemic, the Michigan Department of Education allowed SFSP sites to provide non-congregate, “Grab-and-Go” meals for families to take home. With the return of the Eat and Play model, each site will distribute a free meal to every child present and meals must be eaten on site.
To help families who relied on the “Grab-and-Go” meals for the last three years, Food Gatherers is also sponsoring separate grocery distributions with nonperishable food at select sites.
“We know this year’s program will look different for many families who appreciated the convenience of the grab-and-go meals,” says LeRonica Roberts, Food Gatherers Community Food Programs Manager. “This program is an important source of nutritious food for many families at risk of hunger and we will continue to ensure that every family, in every zip code, has access to healthy food for their kids in a fun, welcoming environment.”
Free meals will be available to children 18 years of age and under or persons up to 26 years of age 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.
A list can be found on Food Gatherers’ website at www.foodgatherers.org/summerfood. Families can also find a list of sites by texting FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 or by calling Food Gatherers at 734-761-2796.
About Food Gatherers
Food Gatherers’ mission is to alleviate hunger and eliminate its root causes in Washtenaw County. Last year, our food bank and food rescue program distributed 7.3 million pounds of food to more than 170 non-profit programs serving adults, seniors, and children. For a list of our partner programs or to learn how you can become involved in the fight against hunger locally, please visit www.foodgatherers.org or call 734-761-2796.
