The Wayne County Department of Public Health recently commenced its annual summer food service for children, teenagers to age 18 and eligible young adults. The program distributes free, nutritious lunches to residents at 21 community sites in: Belleville, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Ecorse, Highland Park, Inkster, Livonia, River Rouge, Riverview, Romulus, Taylor, Wayne and Westland.
Meals are served weekdays, through Aug. 16, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The service is available in many Wayne County school districts where students receive free or reduced-price lunches during the regular school year.
“This program helps Wayne County families stretch their hard-earned food dollars during economically-challenging times by providing thousands of meals each year,” said Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano. “Most importantly, children are able to receive wholesome, healthy and enjoyable lunches during the summer—nutritional meals they might not otherwise get.” In recent years, the Wayne County program has served as many as 71,000 lunches annually.
Menus are selected to represent essential food groups and taste-tested by registered dieticians and nutritionists. Food items feature popular favorites, as well as new meal selections.
In addition, the program provides free lunches for residents through age 26 who are considered mentally or physically-challenged by a state or local educational agency or who participate in public or private non-profit school programs for the handicapped.
“We are extremely pleased to support and facilitate this important food service program for Wayne County’s children and young adults by providing nutritious meals, helping meet families’ dietary needs and encouraging healthy eating habits,” said Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, chief of Health Operations/Health Officer, Wayne County Health and Human Services.
The summer food program, which ensures that no eligible child will be turned away hungry, is funded by and operated in accordance with federal laws under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is administered by the Wayne County Department of Public Health.
To get information on exact times and locations, please contact the Wayne County Department of Public Health at (734) 727-7107. Or click on www.waynecounty.com and go to the Health and Human Services tab.
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