Popsicles. A trip to the park. Playtime
without worry.
For many kids, those are the hallmarks
of summer.
But what about the children for whom
this is not a reality? They don’t call it the dog days of summer for nothing;
daytime can be long – and lonely – especially for kids who don’t have access to
recreational facilities or the resources to consume a midday meal that is as
enjoyable as it is nutritious.
Detroit’s Meet Up & Eat Up program gives
these children something to look forward to.
This summer, the Detroit Lions and Ford Motor Company are bringing awareness to Meet Up & Eat Up. The program addresses
food insecurity and hunger in Detroit. Several community organizations are
doing their part to support the Meet Up & Eat Up program, including United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Detroit Eastern Market, Gleaners Community Food Bank,
Fair Food Network, Playworks Detroit, and Wayne State University School of Medicine.
But this initiative isn’t just about
food – it’s about health in general. Detroit Lions players and alumni – along with Roary,
the Lions mascot – will be present at eight Detroit sites to help lead recreational
activities. More than exercise, the games that these players teach emphasize
life skills such as sharing, teamwork, and the importance of demonstrating
respect. The activities also encourage children to be competitive while putting
their best foot forward.
My husband Scott has attended three of
these sessions – and will be attending his fourth today. (He's #76 in the photo above; #57 is former Detroit Lion Tim Walton.) He sees firsthand how
beneficial a program like this is, and he will tell you that it’s a safe, comfortable,
and positive summertime outlet for kids.
Here’s Scott’s take – in his own words: “This
program helps subsidize families who are pretty strapped and are often unable
to put three full meals on the table. This lunchtime program bridges the gap
between breakfast and dinner – and we all know the importance of consuming
three full meals a day.”
If you’d like
to get involved or pledge your support for the Meet Up & Eat Up program, you may
contact Playworks Detroit here, or the United Way of Southeastern Michigan
here.