Meet Up and Eat Up to Kick Off the Summer

DETROIT, June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Michigan No Kid Hungry is set to launch Meet Up and Eat Up 2014 on Monday, June 30, at Peterson Playfield in Detroit.

Meet Up and Eat Up is a community space for kids to get tasty meals, hang out with friends, and have fun at no cost. For many Michigan families whose children participate in free and reduced-price meal programs during the school year, Meet Up and Eat Up is an important resource to ensure that kids access nutritious meals and that caregivers can make ends meet. In 2013, there were nearly 300 Meet Up and Eat Up sites available in Detroit, 580 in southeastern Michigan, and more than 1,300 statewide.

"We're very excited to keep building the Meet Up and Eat Up movement to make sure kids have the healthy food they need to grow and thrive this summer," said Sara Gold, Director of the Michigan No Kid Hungry initiative.

Meet Up and Eat Up, a statewide program, saw a nearly 9% increase in meals served in 2013, much of which was driven by the city of Detroit. Twenty-five organizations have come together to form the Detroit Chapter of Michigan No Kid Hungry, led by United Way for Southeastern Michigan, the host of the Michigan No Kid Hungry initiative. Together, they hope to increase meals served in the city by 25% this summer.

The kick-off block party, which will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Peterson Playfield, will feature remarks from Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones, as well as fun activities, community resources, and food for the whole family to enjoy. Thanks to generous support from the Ford Fund, United Way for Southeastern Michigan will be hosting nine block parties in Detroit and Pontiac this summer.

To find the Meet Up and Eat Up site nearest you, please call 2-1-1 or text "FoodMI" to 877-877.

About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lies in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region.  The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community.  United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Campaign and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness.  Additional information is available at www.LiveUnitedSEM.org.

SOURCE United Way for Southeastern Michigan