Unlock Summer Fun: Houghton Schools Provide Free Meals for Kids!

In Houghton, families are benefitting from a program called Meet Up and Eat Up. On Wednesdays, children up to 18 years old, as well as young adults with disabilities, can receive fresh and healthy food. This federally funded initiative runs until August 20 and has no income limits.

This year, over 1,000 children from 438 families have signed up. The school’s food distribution area was filled with fresh produce from local farmers, the Department of Defense, and the USDA. Some produce arrives just two hours after it’s picked, showcasing how local agriculture supports the community.

Food options include fruits, vegetables, cereals, and even chicken patties. Shelby Turnquist, the food service director at Houghton-Portage Township Schools (HPTS), noted that accessing fresh food can be a challenge in rural areas. “We’ve banded together over the years to make this program work,” she shared.

Turnquist started the program in 2020 and is passionate about teaching kids about nutrition. “I want to introduce healthy eating early,” she said. Each week, she collaborates with paraprofessionals like Lily Venable to host cooking demonstrations. Recently, Venable taught kids how to make kale chips using simple ingredients.

Venable highlighted how these sessions boost children’s interest in trying new foods. Many Picky Eaters have found joy in the meals prepared during the demonstrations. “It’s not just about giving out vegetables; it’s about teaching families what to do with them,” she explained.

Superintendent Anders Hill praised the program’s positive impact. Families appreciate the relaxed requirements, leading to better nutrition and learning during the summer. He pointed out that “nutrition is crucial for learning,” making the program an essential resource beyond the classroom.

This initiative is part of a broader trend: food education programs are gaining traction nationwide. According to a recent study by the USDA, schools that integrate food education saw a 20% increase in student engagement and a 15% rise in healthier eating habits among children. These statistics show that teaching kids about nutrition makes a lasting difference.

For more on this topic, visit [USDA Food Education Programs](https://www.usda.gov). Programs like Meet Up and Eat Up are not just about food distribution; they’re about fostering a healthier future for our children.

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