Now that school is out for the summer, many of us are looking for ways to keep the kids busy, supported and well-fed without stretching the budget. Fortunately, several local and regional programs offer free or low-cost meals, camps and enrichment opportunities designed to help keep your kids engaged and thriving throughout the summer months.
Summer Food Programs
When schools close for the summer, many families lose access to an important source of food through school breakfast and lunch programs. Here are resources that can help during the summer months:
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Food Gatherers sponsors the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in Washtenaw County. The program provides free summer meals for children and teens at sites throughout the community. This summer, SFSP will offer five Grab and Go sites. Families may visit any program location, regardless of home address or school district. Meals are open to all children up to age 18, as well as people up to age 26 who are enrolled in an educational program that is recognized by a state or local public educational agency.
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The United Way of SE Michigan offers “Meet Up and Eat Up,” which provides breakfast and lunch for children 18 and younger, Monday through Friday, throughout the summer and during some school breaks.
Summer Camp Programs
The following programs are free, offer reduced fees or provide grant and scholarship options.
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Camp Ozanam, operated by St. Vincent de Paul, is located on the shores of Lake Huron, about 85 miles north of Detroit. The camp offers children a wilderness adventure at no cost to their families, with activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, sports, campfires and more. Camp Ozanam has served more than 128,000 children across southeast Michigan, helping build confidence, independence and leadership skills.
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United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Summer Discovery program gives students opportunities to explore their interests, engage with their communities and discover their potential through enrichment and academic programming. This free summer learning program provides fun, supportive learning experiences that help children grow both inside and outside the classroom.
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826 Michigan’s Summer Writing Program has offered free, engaging writing and literacy programs to K-12 students in Detroit, Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor for more than 20 years. With support from adult volunteers, students build confidence and skill as writers. The program also helps amplify students’ stories through its publishing opportunities.
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Help Me Grow Washtenaw has compiled a list of free camps, scholarships or financial assistance so children can participate regardless of family income.
Need Help Meeting Basic Needs?
If you are having difficulty meeting basic needs, the MHealthy Resource Coach program can help. Resource coaches will meet with you one-on-one to help identify practical solutions and connect you with resources that fit your specific needs. In some cases, employees may qualify for small mini-grants to cover an urgent need or receive financial assistance through the Emergency Hardship Program.
U-M faculty, staff and students that have an immediate need also have access to the Maize and Blue Cupboard (MBC) food pantry. The MBC's mission is to ensure that no one at U-M goes without by providing healthy, nutritious and nourishing food and the ability to prepare it for themselves or others.
