HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Education is seeking organizations to partner with the Shapiro Administration to provide free meals to children in low-income communities through the Summer Food Service Program.

New sponsors must apply by May 1 to participate in the federally funded child nutrition program, which operates during the summer months when school is not in session.

“Summer should be a time for kids to play, explore and grow, not a time when families have to worry about where the next meal will come from,” Secretary of Education Carrie Rowe said. “Across Pennsylvania, community organizations step up every year to make sure children have the food they need to stay healthy and ready to learn. If your organization is able to help, we invite you to partner with us.”

Last summer, nearly 300 organizations served meals at approximately 2,100 sites across Pennsylvania. State officials said additional sponsors and meal sites are needed to reach more children, particularly in rural areas where access to food programs may be limited.

How the Summer Food Service Program works

The Summer Food Service Program, established in 1976, reimburses participating organizations for meals served to children in areas where at least 50 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program.

Eligible sponsoring organizations must be year-round, nonprofit entities. These may include schools, municipal and county governments, libraries, churches, fire and police departments, residential summer camps and national youth sports programs. Approved sponsors are responsible for managing meal service sites that distribute food to children.

Most sponsors may be reimbursed for up to two meals per day, breakfast and lunch, or dinner and a snack. Programs serving primarily migrant children may qualify for reimbursement for up to 3 meals per day. Camps may also serve up to three meals, but are reimbursed only for meals provided to children eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Beginning this summer, organizations serving rural communities may be approved to offer non-congregate meal options, such as grab-and-go or delivered meals, in qualifying areas.

The program also allows individuals over 18 who are mentally or physically disabled and participating in public or nonprofit programs for the disabled to receive free meals at approved sites.

Organizations interested in becoming a sponsor or hosting a meal site can find more information at education.pa.gov/sfsp, call 800-331-0129 or email [email protected].