KENTWOOD, Mich. — Kids and teens can pick up free meals Monday through Friday at select Kent District Library branches through September 1st as part of the Sack Suppers program from Kids Food Basket.
The program is available at the Kentwood, Wyoming and Kelloggsville branches. Times food is served are listed at the bottom of this article.
For some families, summer fun doesn't eliminate the stress of making sure kids are fed. The Sack Suppers program aims to fill that gap.
Liz Larson, a Kentwood neighbor, said the program has been a game changer during the school year and into the summer.
"It's super helpful when he would get home from school, or even in the summer, just to know that, like, a snack or a meal is provided for them. That's not something that I need to go out of my way to get," Larson said.
Miguel Morales, with Kids Food Basket, said feeding kids during the months between the school year is a priority.
"People need food. I think that's the most important thing, especially kids, the kids that we help they're the most vulnerable population, so we want to be able to support them," Morales said.
Morales said libraries are a natural fit for the program.
"I think it's important to try to meet kids where they're at. We know libraries are a community space, many use these spaces to kind of escape the heat in the summer," Morales said.
WATCH: Free summer meals for kids and teens available at select Kent District Library branches through Sept. 1st
According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, more than 40,000 kids in West Michigan experience food insecurity.
Morales said the need is especially acute in summer.
"It's very important because a lot of those kids rely on that food during the school year. Many families rely on breakfast and lunch provided by the schools," Morales said.
Another mom, LaDorían Johnson said the quality of the food for her two children matters.
"They eat a lot, especially the baby. They love snacking, and I like that there are healthier snacks for them, instead of just like sugary snacks," Johnson said.
Larson said the program lifts a real burden for parents.
"It's just a tremendous help for parents and kids that can have nutritious meals and not have to worry about where you're going to find your next meal, so it's very helpful," Larson said.
You can find the days and times for the meal services here:
Kelloggsville Branch (inside Kelloggsville High School)
4787 Division Ave. S,Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Monday–Thursday at 4:30 PM
Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
Monday–Friday at 3:00 PM
Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
Monday–Friday at 4:30 PM
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