LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After voting to extend the Healthy School Meals for All program last year, the Michigan Department of Education announced that meals will be available for students this summer.
Under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), there will be a permanent Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Within the SFSP option, the Rural Non-Congregate (RNC) meal service option which was partially in place last summer will be fully implemented in summer 2024.
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“MDE is committed to leveraging every available option to reach and feed more children during the summer,” said State Superintendent, Dr. Michael Rice. “The recent pandemic has taught us so much about the ongoing need in our communities and with these expanded offerings, we will continue to reach the state’s most vulnerable.”
What is the Meet Up and Eat Up program?
The Meet Up and Eat Up Summer Food Service Program last summer provided nearly 4.5 million healthy meals at more than 1,400 sites throughout the state according to the MDE.
“We are working to increase the awareness of the program’s availability, get more community members involved, and provide meals to as many children as we can across the state,” Dr. Rice said. “How can people make a difference? Spread the word; sponsor a program; host a site!”
American Heart Association advocates for the program.
The American Heart Association (AHA) alongside the USDA Deputy Under Secretary Stacy Dean and Dr. Rice promoted the programs at two Michigan schools.
“Today’s events reiterate one thing: people are excited,” said Collin McDonough, Michigan Government Relations Director, American Heart Association. “They’re excited for our kids, our parents, our families, and our schools. We’ve seen the game-changing success of the Healthy School Meals for All program this school year, and we’re excited to set our kids up for continued success by making this program permanent.”
The Healthy School Meals for All program existed through the federal government for two-and-a-half years, and that program has ended. In 2023, the Michigan Legislature passed funding to provide for a state-administered program for the current school year.
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The legislature is considering legislation, Senate Bill 500 and House Bill 5042, which would continue no cost meals for families on an annual basis. The Senate Committee on Education passed SB 500 in September and awaits floor discussion.
How can kids access these programs?
The various SFSP sites where people can obtain meals can be found here. The meal service times and service dates will be made available once schools enter the summer recess according to the MDE.
The MDE also encourages interested families to contact the group at 517-241-5374 or mde-sfsp@michigan.gov. For more information on the SFSP, visit www.michigan.gov/sfsp.
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