Wanted: Hungry Kids For Free Meal Program

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - The United Way for Southeastern Michigan says there is plenty of room for more kids to take part this summer's free food program.

According to the United Way, research has shown that low-income children who participate in free breakfast and lunch programs throughout the school year face an increased risk of going hungry during the summer.

The USDA, which funds the program through the Michigan Department of Education, now offers free nutritious summer meals for children under 18 whose family income meets within the established guidelines and who many not get them at home.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Pat Sweeting spoke with Eric Davis, Director of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan's Summer Food Initiative.

"The food initiative is really designed to get at the food insecurity in the three-county region -- Oakland, Wayne and Macomb," said Davis, who added that response to the program could be better.

"A lot of kids and parents aren't aware that they can receive free meals during the summer. There are hundreds of sites throughout the three-county region. All of them serve free lunches and many of them serve free breakfasts," Davis said.

To find out if you qualify and to find a location, please call 2-1-1 (the health and human services hotline for United Way) or dial 1-800-552-1183.