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Hunger Task Force promotes free meals for families

Posted at 4:59 PM, Jul 12, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-12 17:59:41-04

The Hunger Task Force is promoting free meals for families in need all summer long around Milwaukee. 

More than 150 food sites across Milwaukee will have a bright green “Kids Eat Free Summer Meals Here” sign. Every site will give at least two healthy meals per day.

Two hundred kids from COA Youth & Family Center, Vieau, and Story Elementary listen to Hunger Task Force Executive Director, Sherrie Tussler talk about healthy eating, then they got to eat themselves. 

After lunch, everyone got to play educational games, participate in healthy eating contests, or just hang out with Milwaukee firefighters, police officers, and community volunteers. Lailaa Crockerham says she's just happy to be here.

"The people here are very nice and, like, you got the police here. If anything happens, we'll be protected," said Crockerham. 

Many of the educational games were based off making healthy active choices. Many kids know how important eating healthy is. 

"You have to because it's good for your body. It's good for your health," said Faith Alexis Dixson.

"Everybody should be eating healthy because if you don't stuff will happen that you won't like," said Leonard Langdon.  

"You need to stay in shape. You need to stay healthy, and then basically if you don't you could like get diseases or get sick," said Ashton Hayes. 

Since summer is peak season for childhood hunger, Tussler says talking to children about healthy eating and where free food options are, will help get the word out. 

"A lot of families don't know that they can get a free summer meal and so we're here to remind them," said Tussler. "One in four children in the city of Milwaukee is experiencing chronic hunger. This summer meals program and Kohls' support of the summer meals program is what's making a difference."