Help Combat Childhood Hunger By Sponsoring a Food Service Program This Summer

Posted on February 1, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

The Indiana Department of Education is seeking participants for the 2018 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Rural areas such as Starke, Marshall and Pulaski Counties, are especially in need of services to help combat childhood hunger.

This program provides funding assistance to meal service sites in low-income areas where children may lack access to good nutrition during the summer months.

SFSP reimburses local sponsors that provide healthy, cost-free meals and snacks to children 18-years-old and younger when school is not in session.In addition to providing free meal services to the community, many sponsors offer additional educational or physical activities.

Last year, over 270 Indiana sponsors served more than three million meals and snacks at about 1400 feedings sites across the state. Schools and qualified community organizations are encouraged to join the cause and current sponsors are being asked to consider expanding their existing programs.

Sponsorship is open to public and private nonprofit groups, including local governments, religious organizations, summer camps, recreation centers, and others. Sponsors are trained on how to plan, operate and monitor a successful program. All new sponsors are required to attend a training workshop.

The application deadline for potential SFSP sponsors is April 30. For more information on becoming a sponsor or to sign up for training, click here.