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Ohio Department of Education
ODE Announces
Summer Food Service Program Plans
With the help of numerous sponsoring agencies and stakeholders, the
Summer Food Service Program works to feed thousands of children in
Ohio. Since 2014, Ohio has increased participation in the program by 10
percent.
Despite these numbers, many Ohio parents and caregivers are forced to
make difficult decisions daily to provide for their families. In many
cases, this leaves Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens, our children and
youth, struggling with hunger daily.
This year, the Ohio Department of Education wants to increase
participation in summer meal programs and is actively seeking local
nonprofit agencies to participate as sponsors or sites by providing
free meals to children.
“The need for healthy meals doesn’t stop when school breaks for the
summer,” said Paolo DeMaria, superintendent of public instruction. “The
Summer Food Service Program helps provide children with nourishment to
make sure summer can be a time for continued learning and fun. Instead
of worrying about where their next meals will come from, our students
can enjoy activities like reading, sports, playing outdoors and the
growing that happens during the summer months.”
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.
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.
The Summer Food Service Program ensures that 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.
Children with disabilities and approved individualized education
programs may participate through age 21.
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 U.S. Department of
Agriculture and administered by the Ohio Department of Education.
Any organization interested in becoming a sponsor or site should
complete the potential sponsor survey below no later than Friday, March
2.
Link to Sponsor Survey
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