OAK PARK — Forgotten Harvest volunteers are serving more than 100,000 sack lunches this summer to feed children whose families are unable to purchase an adequate amount of food to eat.
“For most kids, summer vacation is a time of celebration and freedom,” says Forgotten Harvest CEO Kirk Mayes. “For thousands of children and families in metro Detroit, however, the summer means the end of school lunch and breakfast that can make the difference between health and hunger.”
With one in four children facing hunger in metro Detroit, the challenge ensures that they will receive lunches during their summer vacation. Many lose access to school-subsidized meal programs when the school year ends.
Lunches are distributed on a daily basis to more than 40 community organizations, recreation centers, and child-focused summer programs, such as Cornerstone School and the Pontiac Public Library. Each lunch will consist of nutritious sandwiches and a beverage, snack, and fruit.
The sixth annual Million Meal Challenge for Kids is supported by grants and fundraising efforts of The GM Foundation, Kroger, Busch’s Fresh Food Markets, Oasis Mediterranean Cuisine, and Cooper Standard.
Donations to the summer program can be made at ForgottenHarvest.org.
