A new report finds that only one in eight Michigan children who are eligible for free and reduced lunches during the school year are participating in summer meal programs. That means nearly 500,000 children are not accessing summer meals.
Michigan school children are finally basking in their well-deserved summer vacation. But these days are less carefree for children who are not getting enough to eat.
A new report from the Food Research and Action Centerfinds that in July 2015, more than 484,000 eligible Michigan students did not access summer meal programs.
In 2015, Michigan ranked 35th in the nation in terms of its participation in summer nutrition programs. That’s down four spots from 2014. Data for this year will be collected next month.
The Michigan League for Public Policy says the drop-off is alarming. We learn more from MLPP communications director, Alex Rossman.