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 New Sponsors page.

Tools and Resources for a Successful Summer Food Service Program

• Averaged Eligibility Map (by Share Our Strength)
• Claims and Reimbursement Rates
• Correspondence and Updates
• Helpful Links
• Income Eligibility Information for Camps and Closed Sites
• Menu Planning and Meal Patterns
• Program Materials/Forms
• Summer Sunshine Awards
• Training
• USDA Sponsor Newsletters

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.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, 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.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) 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.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.