Boys and Girls Club of Alpena Launches Summer Meal Program
ALPENA — The Boys and Girls Club of Alpena kicked off its summer lunch program on Monday, marking the first day of the "Meet Up and Eat Up" initiative, aimed at combatting food insecurity among children in the area. Caterer Charleen Doubie began preparations early, slicing fresh oranges and cooking family-style goulash for hundreds of kids.
Since 1998, Doubie has been a vital part of the program, which serves meals to children who may struggle with food access when school is out. Brad Somers, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club, emphasized the significance of this program, stating that it not only provides nourishment but also fosters social interaction and community engagement among youth.
The "Meet Up and Eat Up" program is part of a statewide initiative known as the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which caters to children and teenagers facing food insecurity. In Northeast Michigan, approximately 23% of kids encounter such challenges, highlighting a pressing need for programs like this.
The Boys and Girls Club welcomes all children under 18, regardless of membership status, with minimal registration requirements. Somers remarked, “The more people we can feed, the better,” underscoring their commitment to supporting families and community structures.
Lunch is served daily at noon, with snacks available later in the evening. Additional SFSP locations in Northeast Michigan include various libraries, schools, and churches, each offering meals at different times. Parents can find nearby meal sites by visiting www.mcgi.state.mi.us/schoolnutrition/.
For many kids, programs like "Meet Up and Eat Up" offer a small reprieve from the complexities of life, allowing them to focus on fun and friendship during the summer months.
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