The
Ohio Department of Education is actively seeking local nonprofit agencies to
participate as sponsors or sites by providing free meals to children at the
2017 Summer Food Service Program.
Sponsoring
organizations receive reimbursement to cover the costs of providing nutritious
meals and snacks to children in eligible areas. Nonprofit organizations
offering summer activities for children living in low-income areas also are
encouraged to apply.
With
the help of numerous sponsoring agencies and stakeholders, the Summer Food
Service Program feeds thousands of children in Ohio. Since 2014, Ohio has
increased participation in the program by 10 percent.
Free
meals are provided at schools, colleges and universities, nonprofit
organizations, parks, camps, community centers, swimming pools, libraries,
low-income housing complexes and more.
Sponsoring
organizations receive reimbursement to cover the costs of providing nutritious
meals and snacks to children in eligible areas. Nonprofit organizations
offering summer activities for children living in low-income areas also are
encouraged to apply. Expansion of the program is particularly needed in
southern Ohio counties, where families struggle with food insecurity, as well
as in rural communities and areas where migrant families reside.
Despite
these numbers, many Ohio parents and caregivers continue to make difficult
choices every day in order to provide for their families. In many cases, this
leaves Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens, our children and youth, struggling with
hunger daily.
“The
need for healthy meals doesn’t stop when school breaks for the summer, and the
Summer Food Service Program helps provide children with nourishment to make
sure summer can be a time for continued learning and fun,” said Paolo DeMaria,
superintendent of public instruction.
“Instead
of worrying about where their next meal will come from, our students can enjoy
activities like reading, sports, playing outdoors and the growing that happens
during the summer months.”
A
sponsoring organization must be:
A public or nonprofit private school;
A public or nonprofit private residential
summer camp;
A unit of local, municipal, county or state
government;
A public or nonprofit college or
university; or
A private nonprofit organization.
The
Summer Food Service Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and
administered by the Ohio Department of Education.
The
U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Education challenge sponsors to expand the
“One More Challenge” in communities around the state. Sponsors will take on
“One More Site,” “One More Meal,” or “One More Week” to increase the number of
meals served this summer.
The
Summer Food Service Program ensures that children ages 1-18 continue to receive
nutritious meals during the summer break from school, when they do not have
access to school breakfast or lunch. Children with disabilities and approved
individualized education programs may participate through age 21.
