GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- The Grand Rapids Public Schools announced plans to bring back a summer program designed to feed hungry children. The district, with the help of the United States Department of Agriculture, started this program last year after receiving a $700,0000 federal grant.
Paul Baumgartner, director of Nutrition Services for GRPS says the program showed such promise, the U.S.D.A. approached the district to do it again this year.
He says GRPS prepares more than 23,000 meals a day for kids during the regular school year. That number drops off considerably during summer months. That leaves many children, who rely on those free and reduced meals, without the amount of food and nutrition they should get every day.
The district says last year it was able to feed 2,500 students during the summer and with this year's grant, GRPS will be able to help 5,300. That's more than twice as many low-income and rural students.
"By being able to provide families easy access with these cards and being able to take these cards, and that is what is so great about this, these cards can pinpoint nutritious products right at the grocery level and really make a big impact on families," said Baumgartner.
The families will receive an electronic card, like a credit card, that they can take to grocery stores to buy approved items. Each month, eligible children will receive 36 ounces of cereal, 3 gallons of low-fat milk, 2 jars of peanut butter or dry/canned beans, 2 loaves of whole grain bread, 1 dozen of eggs, 1 pound of cheese, and $16 dollars worth of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Baumgartner estimates the program will bring an estimated $950,000 into the local economy not only helping West Michigan families but businesses as well.
The program is part of a federal act attempting to reduce childhood hunger by the year 2015. Currently, GRPS has more than 16,000 students who qualify for free or reduced price lunches. This program should help about one-third of them over the summer.