Ann Arbor Public Schools, DTE Energy deploy electric school buses to deliver meals to children
ANN ARBOR – With Ann Arbor Public Schools buildings still closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the district has partnered with DTE Energy to put its new zero-emission electric school buses to good use. The six electric vehicles will be used to deliver meals to students in Ann Arbor and Roseville schools through federal food assistance programs. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, in collaboration with MAPT and the Volkswagen Beneficiary Mitigation Plan, provided funding for the buses. “We are thrilled to help deploy these electric buses as another proof point of our clean energy plan at DTE,” Trevor Lauer, President and COO, DTE Electric said in a news release. Jeanice K. Swift, Superintendent of the Ann Arbor Public Schools said in a news release.
New Rochester catering business pivots during COVID-19 pandemic
ROCHESTER, Mich. – A pair of young entrepreneurs in Rochester launched a catering business earlier this year, not anticipating we’d be mired in a pandemic soon after. Parker is one half of Parker Grant Hospitality, a new catering and event-based business out of Rochester. As businesses and events were forced to close or cancel due to COVID-19, the company quickly shifted its business model. Parker Grant brings catered dinners to events wherever they are, as so many events are now virtual. For every order placed this year, Parker Grant will donate meals to frontline workers and local nursing homes.
Mini desserts for your smaller holiday meals
This Thanksgiving is likely going to be a more modest event with smaller gatherings because of the pandemic. We’re cooking far less food for far fewer people, but we certainly don’t want to skimp on some of our favorites, especially dessert. Chef Shanel Dewalt, the Executive Chef with Great Lakes Culinary Center, shared some great ideas on how to make mini-desserts perfect for smaller gatherings. The Chef baked her family favorites but in smaller containers which luckily won’t take as long so you can enjoy your sweet treats faster this year. She also suggests dropping off mini desserts on your loved one’s doorstep so they can enjoy a sweet treat with you virtually in the comfort of their own home.
Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti Rotary clubs raise 120,000 meals for children in Washtenaw County
ANN ARBOR – The Rotary Clubs of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti have raised the equivalent of 120,000 meals for Food Gatherers as part of the 2020 Rotary Fights Child Hunger fund drive. The clubs partner with Washtenaw County’s food rescue program each year to donate meals to children who experience food insecurity during the summer months when school’s out. The campaign brought together local organizations, businesses and individuals to combat a spike in child food insecurity caused by the health crisis. By adapting the traditional food drive, the Rotary Clubs of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti provided critical support to meet an unprecedented increase in need.”✉ Like what you’re reading? Partner programs include meal programs, food pantries and emergency grocery services that service families and individuals throughout Washtenaw County.
USDA extends free meal for children amid coronavirus pandemic
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Monday the extension of federal waivers allowing flexibilities in child nutrition programs to continue feeding all Michigan children during the coronavirus pandemic. This means meals will continue to be provided to children ages 18 and under at no cost to the families. The program waivers were set to expire Aug. 31. Sen. Debbie Stabenow said the U.S. Department of Agriculture did a fantastic job last spring by getting food to needy children. She said the department waived rules and spent money to make it easier for children to get meals.
Food Network star shows us how to up our picnic game
Food Network star, Tregaye Fraser, joined host Tati Amare over Skype to share her ideas for how to have a fabulous picnic. According to Fraser, blueberries are her must-have item in any picnic basket. If you are in the mood for something sweet, her blueberry swirl cheesecake brownies are a great thing to try. You cant forget about...What picnic basket would be complete without cheese? But you dont want just any cheese, Fraser recommends you look for the Proudly Wisconsin Cheese label, as the state is known for their cheese and has won many awards for it.