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‘Meet Up & Eat Up’ summer food program for Grand Rapids children

Posted at 10:14 PM, May 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-17 22:17:14-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –  As school gets ready to let out for the summer, district leaders at Grand Rapids Public Schools are making sure kids don’t go hungry outside of the classroom.

The “Meet Up & Eat Up” program can help fuel a child’s summer with free and healthy food.

“'Meet up & Eat Up' is really just an awareness campaign to let children and families know where meal sites are going to be all summer long,” said Bryan VanDorn with the United Way.

Families got a taste of what they can expect Tuesday night during a promotional event at the Gerald R. Ford academic center.

"Well I didn't even know about it at first, but now that we're down here and I know we'll be coming a lot more often," said Monique Smith.

The summer food program provides children a place to go for a free meal.  There’s no registration or sign up process; kids just show up and eat.

"It means a lot to me that not only my children but a lot of children can go to a program and receive a good meal," said Angela Mitchell.

And the food is just part of the fun. The program also promotes fun activities and gives children quick and easy recipes they can make at home.

“Meet Up & Eat Up” starts next month. There are around 20 locations kids can go to.

You can find out where they are by going to www.grps.org/nutrition