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Report: Many Kids Relying On School Meals

DETROIT (WWJ) - Two-thirds of teachers in the U.S. say they have children in their classrooms who are not getting enough to eat at home.

The "Share Our Strength's Teachers Report" shows 65 percent of educators say their students rely on school meals. 

Gleaners Community Foodbank of South East Michigan's Gerry Brisson said these national figures hold true in Michigan.

"Forty-five percent, almost half, of the kids in Michigan are getting free or reduced (price) lunches in schools.  Those families are depending on those two meals, from schools five days a week," Brisson said.

"On Monday morning is when your hear the teachers talking about it most.  The kids go home -- they've had at least two meals a day in school all week. Now they're home for the weekend and sometimes they've had one meal a day," he said.

The survey also found a large percentage of teachers purchase food for their students out of their own pockets.

CLICK HERE to download the report (.pdf format).

Learn more at www.strength.org.

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