NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – 13 U.P. libraries are offering free lunches through the summer. As schools release their students, Negaunee Public Library Director, Jessica Holman says its Gather 2 Grow

NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – 13 U.P. libraries are offering free lunches through the summer. As schools release their students, Negaunee Public Library Director, Jessica Holman says its Gather 2 Grow program allows the library to combine free nutrition with learning experiences over the summer break. “A hungry kid isn’t going to be able to enjoy a book,” she said. “If they’ve been relying on free lunch at school and that’s not available over the summer, we’re helping bridge that gap.” Children under the age of 18 and disabled adults up to the age of 26 are eligible to partake in the program. As a part of Feeding America West Michigan, the initiative is able to provide mindful selections to its local communities, with shelf stable food items. Holman says while the library also opens its summer reading season, excitement for the library’s summer programs has been outstanding, with over 50 sign-ups for reading and over 20 sign-ups for Gather 2 Grow in just the first day. Distribution will be held from noon through 1:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the Negaunee Public Library’s Michigan room until August 31. Tuesdays and Thursday meals are also available in Marquette at the Peter White Public Library. A full list of participating libraries can be found here.