Summer Food Service Program for Children

Objective

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) operates SFSP in partnership with State agencies and local organizations to provide free meals to eligible children during the summer months and at other approved times when school is not in session. USDA assists States through grants-in-aid and other means to conduct nonprofit food service programs for children through the SFSP.

Who Can Apply

• Department or Agency of a U.S. Territorial Government
• Department or Agency of a U.S. State Government

The State (includes District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) agency applies for and signs an agreement to receive Federal funds for disbursement. The State agency enters into an agreement with each sponsor that has been approved for participation. The agreement is permanent and may be amended as necessary to ensure compliance with all Federal requirements. Sponsors must agree to operate a nonprofit food service that is available to all eligible children regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability.

Who Benefits

• Infant and Toddler (0-3)
• Young Child (4-9)
• Pre-Teen (10-12)
• Teen (13-19)

A service institution that conducts a regularly scheduled program for children from areas in which poor economic conditions exist is eligible to participate as a sponsor in this program. Sponsors include public or private nonprofit school food authorities; public or private nonprofit colleges or universities operating the National Youth Sports Program during the months of May to September; units of local, municipal, county, or State governments; and other faith or community-based private nonprofit organizations. Public or private nonprofit residential or nonresidential summer camps may also participate. However, at camps, reimbursement will only be paid for meals served to enrolled children who are individually determined to be eligible for free and reduced price school meals under USDA Income Eligibility Guidelines.

Assistance Types

• Grant

Program Contact

Kevin.Maskornick@usda.gov
703-305-2590