Fewer Michigan Children Taking Part in Federal Meal Program ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) - There's been a major reduction in the number of Michigan children taking part in a summer meal program.

One analyst blames red tape and a cut in government funding.

The Washington D-C based Food Research and Action Center says there's been a steady decline in the number of low income children taking part in the federal summer meal program over the past 6 years.

FRAC spokeswoman Lynn Parker says in Michigan, the drop has been precipitous, from 71 thousand children in 2000 to 49 thousand in 2005, a 30 percent decline.

Parker says the problem is, fewer local groups are taking part in the federal breakfast and lunch program.

On the positive side, Parker notes that Michigan is one of handful states with a new federal waiver which may boost participation in the program this summer.
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