LANSING—Summer is a time for children to laugh and play.  But for tens of thousands in Michigan, it’s also a time for hunger.

According to the Department of Education, an estimated 480,000 children under 18 risk going hungry during the summer because they no longer have at least one meal, if not two, at school.  Some schools offer both breakfast and lunch for students who qualify.

The Summer Food Service Program has sites scattered in about 50 counties to help some of the state’s children stay healthy and fit. 

Last summer, Traverse City had two sites.  Because of limited funding only one site is planned for this summer, food service director, Kristen Misiak said.

It will service children under 18 of migrant workers, said Misiak. “It’s like summer school for migrant children.

“They’re very gracious,” Misiak said.  “They feel appreciative.”

Every Monday through Friday last summer, about 300 children attended the two sites that provided two meals and a snack. 

Federal funding cuts may mean fewer children participating this year.

“We’re kind of up in the air if we’re going to run the second site,” Misiak said.

Another site catering to migrant children is in Lapeer County.

Angie McCoy, who helps run the site at an Imlay City school, said it is open to all community children.

“Any child can eat for free,” McCoy said.

McCoy said she promotes her site by advertising with local newspapers and television stations.