Discover Houghton Schools’ Summer Food Program: Celebrating 5 Years of Nourishing Our Community!

Support for Families: Houghton’s Free Summer Meal Program

In Houghton, Michigan, families are feeling the pinch of rising food prices. But a special program is here to help. The Houghton-Portage Township School District started its free summer meal program five years ago. What began with 300 kids now supports over 1,000 children each summer.

Shelby Turnquist, the Food Service Director, shared a story that highlights the program’s importance. After the last school year ended, a bus driver mentioned two kids sitting behind him. One was excited for summer, while the other worried about where his meals would come from. This moment drives Turnquist’s passion for the program.

Every Wednesday during summer break, families from nearby counties gather at Houghton Elementary School to receive a week’s worth of food. This initiative is part of the state’s Meet Up and Eat Up program. The school prepares many items like turkey, but also sources fresh produce locally. Recently, families received kohlrabi and broccoli from the Boersma Family Roots farm in Calumet. Matthew Boersma, who operates the farm, feels connected to the program. “Shelby was my lunch lady when I was young,” he said. “It’s a great service, and we’re happy to participate.”

This year, the program introduced a new feature. Paraprofessional Lily Venable shares simple recipes using the ingredients families pick up. “We want to show them that cooking can be easy and fun,” she said. “Even on busy nights, you can make something nutritious without a lot of effort.”

Turnquist feels proud of the community’s collaboration to make this program successful. According to the USDA, nearly 14% of households in the U.S. struggle with food insecurity—a statistic that makes programs like this more vital than ever.

In social media discussions, many local families express gratitude for the program, sharing stories of how it has eased their summer challenges. The support from the community and local farms highlights a growing trend of collaboration to address food insecurity and promote health among children.

The Houghton-Portage Township program is a shining example of how local initiatives can make a real difference. By feeding children and helping families learn to cook, they are building a healthier, more resilient community. For more information, check out the USDA for resources on food programs and nutrition.

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