The Iowa Department of Education today (Fri) announced it is seeking sponsors for a federally funded program that provides nutritious meals and snacks to children in low-income areas of the state during the summer months.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program, administered by the Iowa Department of Education, helps ensure that children ages 18 and younger have access to nutritious meals and snacks during summer break. Persons with mental and physical disabilities who are over age 18 and participate in school programs are also eligible to participate. Typical sponsors include public or nonpublic schools, public or private non-profit colleges and universities, private non-profit organizations and camps, and local, county, municipal, state or federal agencies.
Meals provided as part of the summer meal programs are served at a wide variety of sites, including schools, churches, community centers, parks, libraries, housing complexes or camps.
To qualify as a site, the meal service must be either located in a low-income neighborhood where at least 50 percent of the children are eligible for free and reduced-price meals or must serve primarily low-income children and not duplicate services already being provided by another organization. Once an open site location is established, all children 18 and under are welcome to participate.
Organizations can also get involved by partnering with existing sponsors to promote site locations and provide activities for children, volunteers, transportation assistance and more.
Organizations interested in learning how to get involved are invited to visit The Department of Ed’s Summer Food Service Program webpage, or the USDA Summer Food Service Program webpage.
