Hunger Task Force, Kohl’s Cares kick off summer meals program

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- School is winding down for many students in our area, but unfortunately, once summer break starts, the need for food significantly rises.  The Hunger Task Force and Kohl's Cares are teaming up once again to help keep kids fed.

It's through a program called “Serving Up Supper for Kids."

On Tuesday, volunteers placed signs at more than 130 sites throughout the Milwaukee area (including schools, recreation centers and parks) that will offer free summer meals.

Organizers say it's a time where students are most at risk of going hungry.

“When school recesses, and Mom doesn't have the food that the school breakfast program and national school lunch program provide, that means that her child is going to suffer hunger.  One in four of Milwaukee's children wakes up in a household that doesn't have enough food or money to purchase food,” said Sherrie Tussler, Hunger Task Force’s Executive Director.

From June 17 through August 30, kids can get free meals - breakfast, lunch, even dinner - at the designated locations.  The "Serving Up Supper for Kids" program is one that thousands will utilize.  Last summer, volunteers helped serve more than a million meals.

“There’ll be milk, fruit, vegetable, protein, so these are going to be healthy meals.  They're going to prepare our children to learn in the fall,” said Tussler.

“They don't realize that just a few miles down the road there are people who don't have enough food,” said volunteer Kristy Olsson.

The program is funded through a $1.5 million donation from Kohl’s Cares.  The partnership is three years strong and will continue for another three.

“Their commitment to feeding our youth is really important,” said Tussler.

If you would like to find a free summer meal site, you can find one by calling 211 or visiting the program's website here.