Statewide 2-1-1 and texting can help connect more kids with food, fun and friends

Michigan No Kid Hungry today announced the launch of two statewide outreach resources that make it easier for children to access summer meals. The Michigan Department of Education’s statewide database of over one thousand Summer Food Service sites is now accessible by dialing 2-1-1 from any location in Michigan, or by texting FoodMI to 877-877.

“For Michigan children to succeed and thrive in school, they need healthy meals each and every day—including the summer months,” said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan. “By leveraging statewide 2-1-1 and cell phone technology, our No Kid Hungry Partnership will help more families and children access nutritious meals at more than 1,000 community sites across Michigan during the summer.”

Michigan No Kid Hungry is a partnership with Share Our Strength, a national child anti-hunger organization, the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, and the State of Michigan. The Michigan No Kid Hungry Year One goals are to increase summer meals served, increase access to breakfast in schools, and increase the number of students and families reached by nutrition education efforts, along with developing a five-year plan to end childhood hunger in Michigan. 

“United Way for Southeastern Michigan, with support from the State of Michigan, has expanded its 2-1-1 database to make finding locations to free summer meal sites as easy as possible,” said Michael J. Brennan, President & CEO). “Dialing these three digits (2-1-1) connects you to a Call Center with representatives on-hand who can give information about sites anywhere in Michigan, and underscores our ongoing commitment to eliminating childhood hunger.”

Many summer food sites offer learning and recreational activities, so kids can eat well and stay active. Here are more details about the program:

• FREE to kids and teens age 18 and under
• Healthy meals based on USDA nutrition guidelines
• Served at sites such as schools and churches that may offer learning and recreational activities
• Fun, safe place for kids and teens to be active and visit with friends
• Help families save money and stretch their food budgets during the summer
• No application or proof of income needed
• Easy-to-find locations by simply dialing 2-1-1 anywhere in Michigan, or texting FoodMI to 877-877 to find a site near you. 

Visit NoKidHungry.org/Michigan to learn more about Michigan No Kid Hungry, Share Our Strength and the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.