The Child Nutrition Division of the Idaho State Department of Education is seeking partners for this year’s Summer Food Service Program, which provides free meals and snacks to children, ages 1-18, in low-income areas during the summer months.

The Summer Food Service Program was created to assist families who may not be able to afford to give their children nutritious meals when school is not in session. Nationally, during the school year more than 30 million children eat school lunch daily, and more than half receive meals free or at a reduced price. But although these lunch programs end when school ends, hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation. The Summer Food Service Program helps fill the hunger gap by offering year-round access to healthy food.

The SDE contracts with community partners, referred to as “sponsors”, to feed children at approved sites during the summer months. Sponsors are reimbursed for each qualifying meal or snack they serve. The department can assist in identifying options for providing meals.

Last year, Idaho’s 70 summer food sponsors served approximately 1.01 million meals and snacks at more than 280 sites. For more information on becoming a summer food sponsor or feeding site, call 208-332-6820.

For the 2020 program year, sponsors may be, but are not limited to: public or private nonprofit schools; public or private nonprofit residential camps; local, municipal, county, tribal or state governments; public or private nonprofit colleges or universities that participate in the National Youth Sports Program; Upward Bound programs; religious organizations; libraries; and private nonprofit organizations.

All sponsors, new and returning, are required to attend training at a location convenient for them and are asked to complete the application process as soon as possible.

The 2020 training schedule includes a Coeur d’Alene session, set for April 16-17.

Application information will be provided to eligible sponsors and is due to the State Department of Education by May 1. To get an application, call 208-332-6800. Applications that are not complete by June 15, 2020 cannot be approved. Department approval is required prior to program operation.

Meals for the Summer Food Service Program must be served in accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture non-discrimination policy. The USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

People with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the state or local agency where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.