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Meal program to expand Officials add free dinners for poor children at 9 city sites By FELICIA THOMAS-LYNN Posted: June 22, 2006, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel An increase in free dinner sites and expanded coverage throughout the summer mean that some of Milwaukee's poorest children will experience fewer hunger pangs during the most critical time of the year. The city's free summer meals program, which begins in earnest next week, has added dinner service at nine more sites. Last year, a pilot program added dinner to the meals served at four sites to test whether children would come back for the final meal of the day, and the demand was so great that it persuaded federal officials to expand it this summer, said Sherrie Tussler, executive director of the Hunger Task Force, one of the sponsors of the U.S. Department of Agriculture program. Dozens of other sites in the city are to continue to serve only breakfast and lunch. "There were people who thought it wouldn't work," Tussler said. Last summer, however, 54,000 children ate dinners at four central-city locations. "It really shows the level of need," Tussler said. The program is essential in summer because children who would normally receive free or reduced-price lunches during the school year lose that option when school is not in session. An estimated 41% of the city's children live in poverty, and the city ranks among the poorest in the nation. Last year, the food program served nearly 538,000 meals - up 40% from the previous year, Tussler said. "Far too many children we talked to last summer claimed that the meals we served were the only meals they would eat all day," she said. "It's our responsibility as food providers and active community partners to make sure we meet these children's basic needs." Children ages 18 and younger from low-income families can receive the free meals. Those who want to take advantage of the program can dial 211 to find the nearest meal site. Cellular-phone users should call (866) 211-3380. The program is increasing its reach to serve communities that surround Milwaukee, including West Allis, West Milwaukee, South Milwaukee and Cudahy. Also, the program, which would normally end earlier in August, is to run through Aug. 25, thanks to a $125,000 grant from the Harley-Davidson Foundation. "This unique program has reduced summer hunger and given Milwaukee's poorest children the nutrition they need to have positive, productive summers," said Mary Anne Martiny, foundation manager. Other program supporters include Milwaukee Public Schools, the Social Development Commission, the Salvation Army and 2-1-1@IMPACT. Back to Hunger News |
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 (414) 777-0483Hunger Task Force, Inc. | 201 S. Hawley Court Milwaukee, WI 53214 | Fax: (414) 777-0480 |
Hunger Task Force is a private, non-profit community organization that exists to prevent and alleviate hunger. |