The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program is seeking sponsor organizations on all islands to help provide children in low-income communities with reduced-price meals during the summer months. ADVERTISING The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program is seeking sponsor organizations on all islands to help provide children in low-income communities with reduced-price meals during the summer months.
The SFSP provides nutritious meals that help children to learn, play and grow during the summer break when many schools are not in session.
Schools, public agencies and private nonprofit organizations can apply to be SFSP sponsors. Sponsoring organizations receive reimbursements for serving healthy meals and snacks at approved sites to children and teenagers 18 years and younger.
Sponsors are encouraged to provide educational or recreational activities.
“Summer food service programs are vital to many of our keiki who normally rely on school meals for most of their daily intake,” said state Department of Education Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “Well-rounded, nutritious meals are a priority for children who need regular fuel for learning, physical activities and growth.”
In 2016, a daily average of 12,829 children, 18 years and younger, participated in summer meals programs. This average increased by 1,125 children per day from the previous year. SFSP sites often are located at nonprofit organizations, preschools, churches, parks and housing facilities, and the state Department of Education’s Seamless Summer Option provides meals at select school locations.
The Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs will conduct workshops for new and returning sponsors March 14-24 on Maui, Hawaii, Kauai and Oahu. Personnel responsible for administering the SFSP will be required to attend.
For more information about SFSP, contact Jennifer Dang, Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs, at 587-3600.
