Michigan releases interactive map locating free meals for children during coronavirus school closures

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order to close all K-12 schools for several weeks in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic left families across the state scrambling with how to replace the morning and afternoon meals schools provided for children.

Many schools are hosting meal give aways, and the locations and schedules of those events here: How to find free lunch for Michigan kids with schools shut down

However the closing of schools also activated the Michigan Department of Education’s program, The Unanticipated School Closure Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a sponsor-driven meal giveaway that operates like the Summer Food Service Program, when school is normally out of session.

There are hundreds of SFSP locations across the state that offer up to two meals per day to all children ages 0-18. This includes students with disabilities ages 18-26 with an active individual education program (IEP).

To help locate these spots, The Michigan Department of Education has released an interactive map which can be found here.

The map will be updated twice a day, and the program will run from March 16 - April 5, 2020.

PREVENTION TIPS

Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips:

What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases:

· Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.

· Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

· Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).

· It’s not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season.