When school is out for the summer, so are free and reduced-price school meals. Many children and families in Washtenaw County rely on this crucial source of food to meet their nutritional needs.
To bridge the meal gap, Food Gatherers’ Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) will provide free meals for kids and teens at locations throughout Washtenaw County from June 10 to August 15. The 2025 program is offered in partnership with Kroger and Toyota.
This summer, Food Gatherers is offering two program models—Eat and Play or Grab and Go—allowing families to choose the programs and locations that work best for them.
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At the Eat and Play sites, each child is served a meal, which must be eaten on site. Tables and seating are provided, and some sites may offer games and activities.
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Grab and Go sites offer to-go meals. Children do not need to be present, and individuals can pick up meals on behalf of other families.
“By offering the two meal options, we hope to help more children and families get the nutrition they need to have a fun, healthy summer,” says LeRonica Roberts, Food Gatherers Community Food Programs Manager. “We encourage families to visit the program that works best for them, as often as they need to.”
Meals are available to all children, regardless of their address or the school district they attend. Meal schedules (available in multiple languages) 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.
More resources for families
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Sun Bucks: This is a federal program that provides a total of $120 in food benefits to qualifying families with school-age children during the summer months. Questions? Contact your school district to see if you’re eligible.
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Check with your school about school meals: Many school districts offer a summer meal program for enrolled students. Contact your school district for more information.
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Find local food distributions: Food Gatherers has a network of partner food pantries and meal programs that are open year-round to anyone in need. For a directory of free food distributions in Washtenaw County, visit Food Gatherers’ Find Food page or call 734-761-2796. For help finding resources outside of Washtenaw County, call 2-1-1 or go to mi211.org.
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 9.9 million pounds of food to more than 140 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.
