No-Cost Summer Meals For Children

DETROIT, June 18, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This summer, for the third year, United Way for Southeastern Michigan is promoting no-cost, healthy food for children during their summer vacation at Meet Up and Eat Up^™ (MUEU) sites through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), operated by the Michigan Department of Education.

Children 18-years-old and younger may participate at any of approximately 650 sites in Southeastern Michigan. Locations include schools, parks, libraries, churches and recreation centers. There is no income requirement and no application process.  All kids are welcome!

In addition to healthy meals at no cost, Meet Up and Eat Up^™ site activities include arts and crafts, tutoring and literacy activities, mentoring, drama, music and sports.

Families can identify the nearest Meet Up and Eat Up^™ site, including information about locations, meal types, times, and driving directions by texting FOOD to 877-877, by calling 2-1-1 or by going online: www.michigan.gov/meetupeatup.   

"Through our innovative partnership with Michigan No Kid Hungry, kids can continue to get healthy, nutritious meals at no cost, in their own neighborhoods, while having fun with friends and family," said Eric Davis, Vice President, Community Impact, United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

In Greater Detroit, more than 300,000 kids qualify for free or reduced-price lunches during the school year, but fewer than 15% of those children are eating those lunches at a Meet Up and Eat Up^™ site when school is not in session.  Meet Up and Eat Up^™ is a Michigan No Kid Hungry initiative that provides no-cost meals to children during the summer break. 

In addition to food and activities at Meet Up and Eat Up^™ sites on a daily basis from mid-June to mid-August, Block Parties will also be held at select Meet Up and Eat Up^™ locations throughout the summer. Along with meals at these locations, kids will be able to enjoy face painting, balloon artists, magicians, physical fitness activities, art and free books to take home.  Meet Up and Eat Up^™ Block Parties have been scheduled for the following dates and locations:

Saturday, June 20, from 12-3 PM, Crowell Community Center, 16330 Lahser Rd., Detroit 48219

Monday, June 22, from 3-6 PM, Don Bosco, 19321 W. Chicago, Detroit, 48209

Tuesday, June 23, from 3-6 PM, Madison Schools, 27107 Hales, Madison Heights, 48071

Thursday, June 25, from 3-6 PM, Dozier Recreation Center, 2025 Middlebelt Rd., Inkster, 48141

Saturday, June 27, from 11 AM-2 PM, Pontiac Aaron Perry Park, 301-306 Edison Street, Pontiac, 48342

Monday, June 29, from 3-6 PM, Farwell Recreation Center, 2711 E. Outer Drive, Detroit, 48234

Thursday, July 9, from 3-6 PM, Palmer Park, 910 Merrill Plaisance, Detroit, 48203

Tuesday, July 14, from 11 AM-2 PM, Corrigan Park, 14723 E. Warren, Detroit, 48215

Thursday, July 16, from 3-6 PM, Joseph Walker Williams Center, 8431 Rosa Parks, Detroit, 48206

Tuesday, July 21, from 3-6 PM, Patton Community Center, 2301 Woodmere Street, Detroit, 48209

More information about Michigan No Kid Hungry and Meet Up and Eat Up^™ is available at www.liveunitedsem.org/2015mueu.

About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Campaign and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.liveunitedsem.org.

SOURCE United Way for Southeastern Michigan

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