Good nutrition is essential for effective learning every day, all year long. Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does the need for good nutrition. Summer meal programs help children get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow throughout the summer months.

Summer sponsors receive payments for serving healthy meals and snacks to children 18 years of age and younger. Meal sites must be located in lower-income areas and must be approved to operate by the state agency. An overview of the program is provided in the Summer Food Service Program Reference Sheet.

Organizations interested in participating in the SFSP can visit the

Administering the SFSP

• New Sponsors - Start here to become a sponsor!
• Averaged Eligibility Map (by Share Our Strength)
• Claims and Reimbursement Rates
• Communications and Updates from CNS
• Income Eligibility Information for Camps and Closed Sites

Program Operations

• Program Materials/Forms - Materials to help with application, program forms, monitoring forms, special dietary needs requirements, and more!
• Menu Planning and Meal Patterns -Discover the components of the nutritious, well-balanced, and age-appropriate meals served.
• Purchasing/ Procurement for Federal Programs
• Resources-Proven tools gathered to help with your program.
• Food Service Management Companies (FSMC)
• USDA Sponsor Newsletters
• Required Program Training 

Elevate Your Program

• Summer Sunshine Awards

Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that participate in the National School Lunch Program may choose to operate the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) instead of the SFSP. Refer to the Comparison of Programs to help you determine the best program for your LEA.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.