SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
Welcome to the Summer Food Service Program! SFSP is the single largest federal resource available for local sponsors who want to combine a feeding program with a summer activity program. Children in your community do not need to go hungry this summer. During the school year, nutritious meals are available through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. But those programs end when school ends for the summer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program helps fill the hunger gap.
The SFSP was created to ensure that children in low-income areas could continue to receive nutritious meals during the long school vacation, when they do not have access to school lunch or breakfast. Although millions of children depend on nutritious free and reduced-price meals and snacks at school for 9 months out of the year, just a fraction of those receive the free meals provided by the SFSP during the summer months.
Units of local government, camps, schools, and private nonprofit organizations can sponsor the SFSP. If your organization already provides services to the community, and has capable staff and good management practices to run a food service, you can sponsor the SFSP. As a sponsor, you will attend the State agency's training, locate eligible sites, hire, train and supervise staff, arrange for meals to be prepared and delivered, monitor sites and prepare claims for reimbursement.
Who is eligible to get free meals?
All children 18 years and younger who come to an approved site may receive meals. Sites must be located in low-income communities or must serve primarily low-income children. At camps, only the children who are eligible for free or reduced price meals may receive SFSP meals.
SFSP sponsors receive payments for serving healthy meals and snacks to children and teenagers, 18 years and younger, at approved sites in low-income areas. Schools, public agencies, and private nonprofit organizations may apply to sponsor the program. Your state agency can tell you where and how to apply. All sponsors receive training before starting the program to learn how to plan, operate, and monitor a successful food service program.
SFSP draws children into supervised activities that are safe, fun, and filled with learning opportunities. Children benefit nutritionally by receiving complete, wholesome meals, and parents benefit from some help in stretching their food dollars. The program encourages communities to provide safe places for children to go to be with other children and supportive adults. Parents know their children are receiving healthy meals in a supportive environment. Organizations receive funds to provide meals to complement recreational and educational programs that they have already planned.
Why not take advantage of this valuable resource to provide nutritious meals to children in your community? Contact the Special Nutrition Programs to learn more about the SFSP today.
(501)682-8869 or 1-800-482-5850 ext.28869