Wednesday Feb 14, 2018 11:04am

Indianapolis, IN

By: Jordan Isa

The Indiana Department of Education is looking for schools and qualified community organizations to participate in the 2018 Summer Food Service Program. Organizations can also partner with an existing sponsor such as a school corporation to open a meal service site in areas where children may lack good nutrition during the summer months.

In 2017, more than 270 Indiana sponsors served more than three million meals and snacks at over 1400 feeding sites. IDOE encourages current SFSP sponsors to expand their existing programs and extend meal service throughout the summer break to help eliminate childhood hunger.

Dr. Jennifer McCormick, State Superintendent of Public Instruction says “I encourage schools and community organizations to partner and participate. With your help, we can make a big difference in all of our Indiana communities.”

The Summer Food Service Program reimburses local sponsors that serve healthy free meals and snacks to children in low-income areas of the state. Sponsorship is open to public and private nonprofit groups, including local governments, religious organizations, summer camps, recreation centers, and others.

The application deadline for potential SFSP sponsors is April 30. All sponsors receive training on how to plan, operate, and monitor a successful program.

For more information on becoming a sponsor or to sign up for the training workshop, visit the Department’s website at:

www.doe.in.gov/nutrition/summer-food-service-program