NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Feeding America West Michigan is bringing its “Gather 2 Grow” program to the U.P. this summer, starting today in Marquette county at the Negaunee Public Library.
“We are so excited to be participating in this along with ten other libraries in the UP,” said Negaunee Public Library Director Jessica Holman. “It’s the first time Feeding America West Michigan has done the program in the Upper Peninsula so we’re hopeful that a lot of families will take advantage of this program.”
The program uses participating local libraries to provide lunches to kids under 18 and developmentally disabled adults up to 26 throughout the week while they’re out of school.
“There are a lot of kids up here that rely on school meals during the school year, and June, July, August they don’t have the resource,” said Holman. “So we’re hoping to be able to bridge that gap and help kids succeed.”
Holman said the program also helps people see the libraries as more than just a place to get books.
“It’s another illustration of how kids should be able to see the libraries as a safe place where they can come for resources,” said Holman. “Not just books and movies but food as well.”
Holman also said in Negaunee, they’re excited to be serving beyond just their community.
“Ishpeming’s not doing the program so we’re hoping to also serve that community as well,” said Homan. “And other students that are from our community that go to Father Marquette or North Star Academy, they need the meals as well.”
Negaunee will have lunches available from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, and Peter White Public Library will have lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.
For a full list of participating locations and times check out the Feeding America West Michigan website.
