When the last school bell rings in June, hunger doesn’t take a summer break—and neither does APS Director of Food Service Lisa Jilek and her team of kitchen techs.
Mrs. Jilek was happy to announce that Allegan Public Schools is bringing back the state of Michigan’s “Meet Up and Eat Up” summer food service program for another year, running June 10 through August 19. The program provides free food to families, and Allegan’s food service team will work throughout the summer preparing bags for distribution.
“I know a lot of people are feeling the pressure of rising costs with food and gas and everything—it just keeps going up and up,” Mrs. Jilek said. “So I think the need is going to be even bigger this year.”
Last year’s numbers reflected that need. The program launched with about 270 families on its first day and grew to nearly 500 by the end of the summer.
“By the end, I was really excited that all these people were coming,” Mrs. Jilek said. Over 55,000 meals were distributed to APS students last summer.
Each bag mirrors a school meal, containing grains, protein, fruits, vegetables and milk, while also being designed with independence in mind. “We have to assume that those kids may be at home alone and there’s not going to be a parent there to put together a meal for them,” Mrs. Jilek said. “So we’re really big on trying to get good convenience items, but trying to get things that we know kids like.”
The program requires months of preparation, including a state application process, site reviews, vendor coordination and staffing. This summer, 16 food service employees have volunteered to help pack and distribute meals.
For Mrs. Jilek, one of the most rewarding parts of the program isn’t the food itself—it’s the connections it creates.
“One of the simplest things, but the best thing last year, was seeing the kids come with their parents and recognize somebody that worked at their school,” she said. “Every building was represented, and they would get so excited.”
Families interested in participating can pick up meal bags every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at L.E. White Middle School through August 19. Families should enter the middle school parking lot by the tennis courts and can remain in their vehicles during pickup.
