Children from low-income families rely on school meals to help them stay fed and receive proper daily nutrition. But during the summer months, many children may go hungry or will not be able to get the same nutritious meals they ate while school was in session. The USDA has developed a program called the Summer Food Service Program designed to help provide meals for children who might not otherwise be able to get them when school is out. Read on to learn more about the program and how it can help children across the country.
How It Works
The Summer Food Service Program is federally funded, and each state administers it to various areas. Children up to the age of 18 years old can participate in the program, and the food is served at no cost to them. Various providers like churches and some schools will serve the food and receive the funding in order to prepare and pass out meals to kids in need. State agencies look for people and places to serve as sponsors and then assist them in the food distribution process. These sponsors reach out to children in nearby neighborhoods and provide education, meals, and even fun activities during the summer.
Why It's Important
In the United States, many children go hungry each summer due to lack of appropriate meals provided at home. Parents may not have sufficient income to provide nutritious meals and may find it difficult to put food on the table. This program is designed to ease the stress on parents and to give kids a sense of caring and community. Children who do not get the proper nutrition in the summer can have a more difficult time in school when the next year starts, so the program is integral in helping solve this problem. Sponsors can be found in areas where at least half of the population lives at or under about 185 percent of the poverty level.
How You Can Help
If there is a need for a Summer Food Service Program in your area and it is not fulfilled, there are ways you can get involved. Talk with your community and educate them about the program. Ask teachers and the school principal about potential sponsors who would be willing to help. You can refer to the USDA website as a guide that can provide them with the information they need to get started. It's also a good idea to speak with your local parks and recreation department to find out if they have community centers that would be willing to participate. Through education about the program, you can help to ensure that no child goes hungry this summer.
Share5 November 2015
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