Federal Funds Serve Summer Meals to Children and Teens

Maryland State Department of Education Promotes Popular Free
Summer Meals Program

BALTIMORE – The Maryland State Department of Education is seeking public and private nonprofit organizations to serve free, nutritious meals to children and teens this summer through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a U. S. Department of Agriculture program.

Over 396,000 Maryland children are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals and may not have access to safe and nutritious food during the summer when schools are closed. For these children, food insecurity increases during the summer months. The SFSP serves an important role in communities by offering healthy food in welcoming locations across the state.

“The Summer Food Service Program is an excellent opportunity for schools and other organizations to assist communities by providing meals and educational activities during the summer. The summer months can be a challenging time for some families when it comes to adequately supporting their child’s nutrition needs,” said State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Karen Salmon. “In order for Maryland children to succeed, they must have access to nutritious meals year round.”

The SFSP provides reimbursement to organizations for meals and snacks served to children in areas where at least 50 percent of children qualify for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program, or when 50 percent of the children enrolled in a summer program qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Most organizations may be reimbursed for up to two meals or snacks per child per day. Camps and migrant programs may be reimbursed for up to three meals per child each day. Meals and snacks must meet federal nutrition standards.

The program is open to children and teens age 18 and under and to individuals over 18 who are mentally or physically disabled. Interested organizations should contact Ciara Lee, Management Associate, at 410-767-0199. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2018. For information about the SFSP, please visit www.eatsmartmaryland.org.

The Maryland State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are equal opportunity employers and providers.