MILWAUKEE — For many kids in Milwaukee, school is the only place where they may have access to a nutritious meal.
That’s why Milwaukee Public Schools is offering free meals for children this summer, a time when school meals are typically unavailable. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) — which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction — serves meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner at various sites.
What You Need To Know
- School may be the only place many kids in Milwaukee can have access to a nutritious meal.
- The need for meals doesn't go away over the summer.
- To help, Milwaukee Public Schools are providing free meals during breakfast, lunch and dinner for students.
- MPS is looking for workers to fill positions in the kitchens and beyond. There will be job fairs on July 12 from 5 to 7 p.m., Aug. 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sept. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Elizabeth Peterson has been prepping dozens of meals each day this summer. She’s the central kitchen manager at Bethune Academy in Milwaukee.
“I have been with MPS since 1998,” said Peterson. “It started as just a part-time job for me and it developed into much more.”
Peterson said over the course of her career, the joy she feels working with kids has always kept a smile on her face. Now, she’s continuing to work with them over the summer.
As a dietitian specialist at MPS, Jessica Das said there is a need in Milwaukee for easy access to these meals.
“During the school year our children receive free meals and the need doesn’t go away during summer months,” said Das. “During summer months, the need is there, which is why its is important for us to have community feeding sites throughout the city and the kids can come for breakfast, lunch and dinner to meet that need.”
Das said this school year, MPS has changed its menu offerings to provide students with more options. All students will have more than one lunch entrée to choose from every day.
Peterson said she can’t imagine not being able to serve so many students during a time they may need it most.
“I don’t want to think about where they would be,” she said. “I don’t know what parents would do with economics and what’s going on out there.”
Anyone under age 18 can come and enjoy a meal. Peterson said this is critical for so many.
“I’m a parent,” said Peterson. “I have two children and a granddaughter in MPS as well. They need this.”
For more information and a full meal site list, visit the MPS website.
MPS is also looking for workers to fill positions in the kitchens and beyond. There will be job fairs on July 12 from 5 to 7 p.m., Aug. 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sept. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
You can apply and interview onsite at MPS Central Services located at 5225 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee. For more information, call (414) 475-8224 or email 565@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.