Fun supply chain story. In the research I've been doing, it's become clear that food supply chains can't easily cross streams. Food meant for school lunches can't just be sent to the grocery or the food shelf instead. A lot of it ends up going to waste.
So, with that in mind ..
So, with that in mind ..
I took @CityMinneapolis up this week on their free food for kids program through the schools. They hand out boxes with 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches and it's meant to replace the food kids would be getting at school normally. Previously, I'd assumed I was not the intended recipient.
But word has gotten around that the city needs people taking these boxes so the funding doesn't get cut and they're available for people who need them. And, then, of course, there's the supply chain stuff, fresh in my mind. Better in my kids' tummies than a landfill. So I went...
And you, guys, I'm almost crying at how good and kind and wonderful this kids' food distribution program is. These boxes are PACKED. Fresh veggies, fresh fruit, cheese sticks and turkey sticks, juice and milk, crackers, bagels and cream cheese + sandwiches, pizza, tamales.
And to get this free food, there are almost no hoops to jump through. You just show up at any of the designated pickup spots with a kid or some proof of a kids' existence. Don't have to show this kid goes to any particular school - or any school at all. It is SO GOOD.
It feels explosively radical for my city to just be making sure kids get fed and not caring whether its the "right" kids, doing the "right" things, in the "right" ways. The hours could be tough for some parents - 10-2. But that is the only hurdle they're putting up.
Anyway. @CityMinneapolis @MPS_News, THANK YOU. Thank you for giving my kids a thrill. (Seriously, it was like Christmas morning for them.) And for caring for the community in this open, no-bullshit, no-Karens-allowed way.
Want food?
Here's the link: nutritionservices.mpls.k12.mn.us/covid19
Want food?
Here's the link: nutritionservices.mpls.k12.mn.us/covid19
Also the distribution guy told me they're upping it to 7 days worth of meals next week.
