Kids will be moving from space to space on a “life-sized” board game created to help drive-up food donations when they are needed most – the summer.

Hunger does not end when the  last school bell of the year rings. Many of children who rely on school lunches will go hungry beginning with the first day of their summer recess.

Gleaners estimates that more than 300,000 kids go hungry in Michigan and hopes that its 2017 Hunger Free Summer program will help stem the tide in its 11-week program.

To kick of the whole project the 2017 Hunger Free Summer Campaign Launch Event, a kids and family lunch, will be held at New England Town Houses at 5901 Jeanette in Roseville on Wednesday, June 14 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Hosted by Citizens Bank, it is  hoped that the event will provide kids a day to remember.

• Gleaners Nutrition Mission game – This is a life-size board game with the kids acting as the pieces. The goal?  To collect healthy food.  Citizen’s Bank President Rick Hampson himself takes the lead on this event.
• Pots & Plants – For any kid who want to decorate a plant, this is for them. The young folk will get to take home an herb or vegetable plant so they can have nutritious food right at home throughout the summer. Gleaners’ Kids-Helping-Kids staff gets the credit for this one.
• Kids Food Quiz & Challenge – Gleaners President Gerry Brisson will have a talk with the kids about the importance of healthy eating. It won’t be boring. They will learn as they taste and guess what is in a special healthy smoothie.
• Batman Visits – Gym owner body model and personal trainer Rossano Rea will give the kids a chance to meet the Dark knight and world’s greatest detective himself – Batman. Rea created a suit that replicates the one Ben Affleck wore when he played the hero.

The event is made possible by the sponsorship Citizens Bank, Ford Motor Company Fund and other donors.

Donations are welcome, according to Gleaners, who reports that every dollar donated equals six meals during the Hunger Free Summer. Matched donations can be made:

• Online at www.HungerFreeSummer.org
• By text “HFS” to 515-55
• By phone 866-GLEANER
• Checks can be mailed to 2131 Beaufait, Detroit, MI 48207 (Please note “Hunger Free Summer” on memo line).

You can also follow updates on Facebook.com/Gleanersfan and Twitter.com/Gleaners with the hashtag #HungerFreeSummer.

Unless otherwise noted, photos courtesy of Gleaners

  Citizens Bank, gleaners, summer hunger