By Maggie LaNoue, Contributing Writer
July 11, 2025
Each weekday at Harrington Elementary School, a small but vital tradition is quietly unfolding. The Meet Up and Eat Up program—part of Michigan’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)—is helping ensure that children and teens in Albion have access to free, healthy meals while school is out.
The program is open to all children and teens 18 and under, with no registration or proof of income required. Young adults up to age 26 who are enrolled in educational programs for the mentally or physically disabled are also eligible, according to the Michigan Department of Education.
In Albion, the one location for meals is Harrington Elementary School. From June 27 through August 1, meals are served Monday through Friday. Breakfast is from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m., and lunch from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. at Harrington. Meals are also distributed across town at different times at Oak Meadows, Lincolnshire, Broadwell, Dalrymple, and McIntosh Park.
The lead at the Harrington site is LaShawn Davis, a longtime Albion resident and food service employee for Marshall Public Schools. Her roots in the community run deep—many know her parents, Coach Davis and Vondra, and her presence at the lunch counter brings familiarity and warmth. “I serve it fresh and hot,” she said.
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On a good day, LaShawn serves 35 to 40 lunches, but construction has reduced turnout. Some students now head to alternate locations like Albion College or Oak Meadows.
The meals are prepared by Marshall Public Schools and transported to Marshall Opportunity School where managers from the different locations pick up the food for their location. Visitors to Harrington are welcomed through the front doors and directed to the gym. There, staff and children line up for their meals. Jesse Whitfield, school secretary, helps coordinate, and Todd Hicks, summer principal, also assists.
Meals will continue through August 1. No sign-up is needed—just show up.