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Ohio Department of Education
ODE Announces Summer Food Service Program Plans
2/1/2016

With the help of 201 sponsoring agencies and 1,781 feeding sites, more than 50,000 Ohio children received free daily meals last year through the Summer Food Service Program.

Despite these numbers, many Ohio parents and caregivers continue to make difficult choices every day in order to provide for their families. In many cases, this leaves Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens, our children and youth, struggling with hunger daily.

This year, the Ohio Department of Education wants to see participation increase and is actively seeking local nonprofit agencies to participate as sponsors or sites by providing free meals to children.

“Children should never need to worry about when they will eat next,” said Dr. Lonny J. Rivera, interim superintendent of public instruction. “When school is out, communities can offer the Summer Food Service Program to provide many children with the nourishment they need to continue to learn, play and grow.”

Free meals are provided at schools, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, parks, camps, community centers, swimming pools, libraries, low-income housing complexes and more.

Sponsoring organizations receive reimbursement to cover the costs of providing nutritious meals and snacks to children in eligible areas. Nonprofit organizations offering summer activities for children living in low-income areas also are encouraged to apply.

A sponsoring organization must be:

• A public or nonprofit private school;
• A public or nonprofit private residential summer camp;
• A unit of local, municipal, county or state government;
• A public or nonprofit college or university; or
• A private nonprofit organization.

The Summer Food Service Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the Ohio Department of Education.

The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Education challenge sponsors to expand and start the “One More Challenge” in communities around the state. Sponsors will take on “One More Site,” “One More Meal,” or “One More Week” to increase the number of meals served this summer.

Expansion of the program is particularly needed in southern Ohio counties, where families struggle with food insecurity, as well as rural communities and areas where migrant families reside.

The Summer Food Service Program ensures that children ages 1-18 continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer break from school, when they do not have access to school breakfast or lunch. Children with disabilities and approved individualized education programs may participate through age 21.

Any organization interested in becoming a sponsor or site should complete the potential sponsor survey.

Potential sponsors interested in participating in the 2016 program should complete the survey no later than Friday, March 4.



 
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