The local United Way has launched its Summer Eats for Kids program.
Director of Programs Liam Giles-Hayes says the annual program is more important than ever with many families struggling financially during COVID-19
Giles-Hayes tells The Afternoon News the program will be handled through a drive thru format this year.
"Normally we partner with summer camps, but because a lot of them aren't operating this year due to COVID-19 we're launching at six different schools across Windsor-Essex with a goal of feeding 500 families per week," he says.
"We realize that we had to step up this summer and do something different just so kids don't go hungry ... it's so important that they stay fed and provided with educational activities to do over the summer,” says Giles-Hayes.
He says there are a lot of moving parts making things work this year.
"The City of Windsor of CUPE 82 and 543 have been integral in getting this off the ground because they're the ones packaging all the food," he says. "The Unemployed Help Centre is helping deliver to all our locations and FCA Canada is our title sponsor; without them we couldn't do this program."
Summer Eats for Kids will operate from June 30 to Aug. 27.
Families with children are welcome to pick up a box of food once a week at six schools throughout Essex County.
SCHOOLS/TIMES