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Starting a Summer Meal Program
A successful Summer Meal Program requires the cooperation and collaboration of community groups, organizations, and individuals. A multifaceted program, which provides nutritious food in addition to recreational or academic enrichment activities, results in higher participation rates by children and enriches their lives in a variety of ways.
Three ways you can contribute to the success of a Summer Meal Program:
1. Sponsor the Summer Food Service Program: If your agency or organization is one of the following, you may be eligible to be a sponsor:
- A public or private nonprofit school food authority
- A state, local, municipal, or county government (provided that the summer food program is operated directly by such government entities)
- Private nonprofit organizations that meet specific criteria defined in program regulations
Residential public or private nonprofit summer camp
2. Operate a Site: A site is the physical location where the meals are served. Sites operate under an approved sponsoring organization and include the following responsibilities:
- Supervising the site during mealtimes
- Attending required training conducted by the sponsor
- Keeping all necessary daily records and turning them in to the sponsor
- Distributing meals according to program guidelines
3. Volunteer: Individuals and organizations can help make the Summer Meal Program financially feasible for a sponsor by volunteering as a site supervisor, program monitor, cook, or food delivery person. Coordinating or offering planned activities for children is another way to volunteer. Games, art and crafts, and recreational and/or educational activities attract more children to a site and contribute to their social and intellectual development. There are endless possibilities for volunteers in this area!
For more information about how you can get involved in the Summer Meal Program or to locate a program near you, contact Sarah Kunz, Summer Food Outreach Coordinator.
You can also learn more at the USDA’s Food & Nutrition Service website. |
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