For immediate release
Jan. 25, 2012
Sponsors Needed for Summer Food Service Program
TOPEKA – The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is looking for sponsors willing to provide nutritious meals to Kansas children during the summer months. A program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), SFSP provides reimbursement to schools, public agencies and private non-profit organizations for food services that will enhance their summer education or recreation programs.
The goal of the SFSP is to ensure children in needy areas continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations when the low-cost or free school meals provided through the Child Nutrition Programs of the USDA are no longer available. SFSP sponsors receive payments for serving healthy meals to children between the ages of 1 and 18 years at approved sites in needy areas. These nutritional opportunities help keep children ready to learn when school resumes.
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) administers the SFSP in Kansas. Approximately 360,000 lunches are served to children each day in Kansas during the school year. Only 20,000 children statewide receive the free meals provided each day by SFSP sponsors during the summer months, so more sponsors are needed.
SFSP meals can complement supervised activities that are safe, fun, and filled with learning opportunities. Children benefit nutritionally by receiving complete, wholesome meals and parents benefit from help in stretching their food dollars. Children who continue to receive healthy meals through the summer feel better, behave better and go back to school ready to learn. The SFSP encourages communities to provide secure places for children to go to be with other children and caring adults. As a result, parents will know their children are receiving healthy meals in a supportive environment.
Can SFSP assist in your community? Organizations interested in serving nutritious meals to children through a summer program should contact Peggy McAdoo at Child Nutrition and Wellness, KSDE, (785) 296-2276, or visit our website www.kn-eat.org and select the Summer Food Service Program icon to learn more about the SFSP.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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