We’ve recently been informed that hungry kids in Milwaukee will receive one fewer meal per day this summer. Sadly, state decision-makers will not allow the public schools to pair two federal programs to provide breakfast, lunch and supper for needy children in Milwaukee this summer. Hunger Task Force has appealed this decision to federal authorities, and the bureaucrats in Madison and Washington conclude the same thing—if it costs more to feed poor children, then the cost is not allowable. We have been directed to “fashion a local solution.”

This year, when food prices are at unprecedented highs, the state has determined that MPS cannot serve supper to community children walking in for help. Instead the kids must first be enrolled in a childcare program. Unfortunately, there are no childcare sites or open slots for enrollment in some of Milwaukee’s neediest neighborhoods. Parks with picnic tables and basketball hoops; street corners along Burleigh on the north and National on the south; and playgrounds located next to schools with so little funding that summer school now lasts just four weeks, if it’s offered at all—these are not qualified childcare sites. However, if you visit these sites, you’ll meet plenty of children happy to receive a sandwich, a piece of fruit and a carton of milk.

If this news disturbs you, it is time to get involved. We are currently taking names of people willing to call, write and meet with state and federal officials to correct this wrong. Please fill about the form below and we will get in touch with you about upcoming efforts to secure breakfast, lunch and supper for needy Milwaukee children.

Sincerely,

Sherrie Tussler
Executive Director