The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally funded
program that provides free meals to children, ages 18 and
under, when school is not in session. Meals are often provided
in conjunction with educational and recreational activities.
What's the latest in the Summer Food
Program?
Read about Simplified Summer-- these administrative changes to the SFSP will make cost accounting for sponsors much easier!
Who
benefits from the Summer Food Service Program? Based on national survey results from
2001 to 2003, the USDA’s Economic Research Service estimated
that 400,000 people in Massachusetts (6.2% of total residents)
lacked access to adequate food. Nearly one third of these individuals
regularly experienced hunger.
During the school year, many families stretch
their food budget by applying for free or reduced price school
meals for their children. Unfortunately, these families often
find it difficult to absorb the additional meal costs when
school is not in session. Their children may be at risk for
hunger and malnutrition and are at a disadvantage when they
return to school in September. By providing free, nutritious
meals throughout the summer, the SFSP ensures that children
have access to the food they need in order to return to school
ready to learn.
For more information about the Summer Food
Service Program, please call 617-723-5000 or email cnop@projectbread.org.