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Ohio Department of Education
ODE Announces
Summer Food Service Program Plans
2/1/2016
With the help of 201 sponsoring agencies and 1,781 feeding sites, more
than 50,000 Ohio children received free daily meals last year through
the Summer Food Service Program.
Despite these numbers, many Ohio parents and caregivers continue to
make difficult choices every day in order 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 see participation
increase and is actively seeking local nonprofit agencies to
participate as sponsors or sites by providing free meals to children.
“Children should never need to worry about when they will eat next,”
said Dr. Lonny J. Rivera, interim superintendent of public instruction.
“When school is out, communities can offer the Summer Food Service
Program to provide many children with the nourishment they need to
continue to learn, play and grow.”
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.
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
Education and administered by the Ohio Department of Education.
The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Education challenge sponsors to
expand and start the “One More Challenge” in communities around the
state. Sponsors will take on “One More Site,” “One More Meal,” or “One
More Week” to increase the number of meals served this summer.
Expansion of the program is particularly needed in southern Ohio
counties, where families struggle with food insecurity, as well as
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.
Any organization interested in becoming a sponsor or site should
complete the potential sponsor survey.
Potential sponsors interested in participating in the 2016 program
should complete the survey no later than Friday, March 4.
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