Virtual learning may cause students in need to miss out on two daily meals

Story first appeared in Oakland Press

More than 310,000 children in southeast Michigan rely on free or reduced-cost breakfasts and lunches at school to provide two of their three daily meals. 

With many schools only offering virtual and/or hybrid instruction as a result of COVID-19, it’s important to get children the food they may be missing.

Gleaners Community Food Bank and Weingartz have partnered for the 11th annual Mow Down Hunger campaign, which runs now through Oct. 6. Weingartz will match donations dollar-for-dollar up to one million meals. With the Weingartz match, each dollar donated to Gleaners provides six nutritious meals to hungry children in southeast Michigan.

“We know kids and families have a lot to worry about this school year with so many changes in how students will learn, but with help from our community, hunger won’t be among them,” said Gleaners President and CEO Gerry Brisson. “Every child deserves to know where their next meal is coming from every day.”