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. 

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.

Administering the SFSP

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

Program Operations

• Food Service Management Companies (FSMC)- Program sponsors may contract with a commercial enterprise or nonprofit organization that manages any aspect of the organization’s food service program.
• Menu Planning and Meal Patterns -Discover the components of the nutritious, well-balanced, and age-appropriate meals served.
• Purchasing/ Procurement for Federal Programs - Sponsors are reimbursed through OSPI with funds from the USDA. Receiving public funds means sponsors are responsible to follow ethical business and purchasing practices set by USDA regulations.
• Resources- Proven tools gathered to help with your program.
• Required Program Training- All sponsors must meet minimum training requirements. 

Elevate Your Program

• Turnip the Beet Awards
• USDA Sponsor Newsletters

Camps and Closed Sites

Residential or day camps providing regular meal service to enrolled children throughout the day may operate the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Camp sites are required to collect household income applications to establish eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. 

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.