Childhood hunger exists in Ottawa County. An estimated 7,500 children are not getting the food they need.* The National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs help fill this need but what about when school is out for the summer?

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health, in partnership with Ottawa Food and community organizations, help promote and provide the Summer Food Service Program known as Meet Up and Eat Up (MUEU). The program was created to make sure children in income-eligible areas could continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations when they do not have access to school meals. MUEU sites located throughout the county provide free meals to anyone 18 years and younger. There are no eligibility or registration requirements. Many sites have activities such as games, sports, water activities, reading and crafts.

“The Meet Up and Eat Up program addresses childhood hunger in Ottawa County and the need for healthy meals during summer break,” stated Amy Sheele, health educator with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health.

The Summer Food Service Program is a national program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered through the Michigan Department of Education.

*Source: Feeding America. Child Food Insecurity in Michigan by County in 2017.