Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires states to issue communications each year calling for sponsor organizations for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This program provides nutritious meals during the summer break for children ages 1-18 while they do not have access to school meals. Children with disabilities and approved individualized education programs may participate through age 21.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides funding to sponsors who provide meals and/or snacks at eligible schools, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, parks, camps, community centers, swimming pools, libraries and low-income housing complexes at no cost to the child or family. Sponsors receive reimbursement for meals and/or snacks that meet the USDA program requirements. The Minnesota Department of Education administers the program and provides sponsors with SFSP training and technical assistance.

A sponsor 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
• Any other type of private nonprofit organization that develops a special summer program providing food service for children 18 and under.

Meal service locations must meet eligibility requirements. Visit the SFSP Eligibility webpage to learn more about participant and site eligibility.

Organizations interested in becoming a sponsor should subscribe to the Nutrition Program Bulletin and watch for important messages directed to summer food program sponsors, including summer food program training opportunities and the new sponsor application instructions.

To learn more, visit the Summer Food Service Program website at education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/FNS/SFSP/index.htm or complete the Food and Nutrition Service customer service form to ask questions.