Summer Food Service partners sought

January18, 2018

The Child Nutrition Division of the Idaho State Department of Education is seeking partners for this year’s Summer Food Service Program, which provides free meals and snacks to children ages 1-18 who live in low-income areas during the summer months. The Summer Food Service Program was created to assist families who may not be able to afford to give their children nutritious meals when school is not in session. Nationwide during the school year, more than 30 million children eat school lunch daily, and more than half receive meals free or at a reduced price. School lunch programs end with the school year, but hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation. This program helps fill the hunger gap by offering year-round access to healthy food. The department contracts with community partners, referred to as “sponsors,” to feed children during the summer months. Sponsors are reimbursed for each qualifying meal or snack they serve at approved sites. The department can help identify options for providing meals. Last year, Idaho’s 75 summer food sponsors served approximately 1.17 million meals and snacks at more than 300 sites. For more information on becoming a sponsor or feeding site, call (208) 332-6820. For the 2018 program year, sponsors may be, but are not limited to:   • Public or private nonprofit schools   • Public or private nonprofit residential camps   • City, county, tribal or state governments   • Public or private nonprofit colleges or universities that participate in the National Youth Sports Program   • Upward Bound programs   • Religious organizations   • Libraries   • Private nonprofit organizations All sponsors, new and returning, are required to attend training and must complete the application process as soon as possible. Sponsors can attend the training session most convenient for them. The 2018 training schedule is:   • Fruitland – April 13   • Boise – April 16 and April 17   • Coeur d’Alene – April 19 and April 20   • Idaho Falls – April 24   • Pocatello – April 25 and April 26   • Twin Falls – April 27 Application information will be provided to eligible sponsors and is due to the Department of Education by May 4. Applications that are not complete by June 15 cannot be approved. Department approval is required prior to program operation. Meals for the Summer Food Service Program must be served in accordance with federal law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Nondiscrimination policy.