When school is canceled due to weather, thousands of children in the Greater Lansing area lose access to their primary source of meals. But local businesses and organizations are stepping up to fill that gap.
- Local businesses step up: Sunnyside Café and other community organizations provide free meals to children when schools close due to weather.
- Widespread need: Over 24,000 children in the Greater Lansing area are considered food insecure and lose access to meals during school closures.
- Community resources available: Multiple locations offer free food including Sunnyside Café (10 a.m.-1 p.m.), Immanuel Lutheran Church food boxes (517-627-6310), and Greater Lansing Food Bank pantry sites.
At Sunnyside Café, the sound of the school closure announcement means one less worry for families in the neighborhood.
WATCH: FOOD RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES DURING WINTER SCHOOL CLOSURE
Local businesses step up to feed children during school closures
“If a child is coming in here and it’s a cancelled school day, they’re gonna get to eat,” said owner Jeanette Ellsworth.
Ellsworth has been providing free breakfast and lunch to children for five years after recognizing the need in her community…