COLUMBUS — To increase participation in summer meal programs, the Ohio Department of Education seeks local nonprofit agencies to participate as sponsors or sites for this year’s program.
The Summer Food Service Program ensures 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.
In 2020, Ohio served more than 53 million such summer meals through U.S. Department of Agriculture nationwide waivers.
Through the program, 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.
“The Summer Food Service Program helps provide children with healthy meals to fuel a summertime full of learning, growing and having fun,” said Paolo DeMaria, superintendent of public instruction. “There are so many exciting things for children to experience during their summer break, and hunger shouldn’t be one of them.”
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.
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 USDA and administered by the Ohio Department of Education. Children with disabilities and approved individualized education programs may participate through age 21.
Any organization interested in becoming a sponsor or site should complete the potential sponsor survey.
Potential sponsors interested in participating in the 2021 program should complete the survey no later than Feb. 26.
