Summer Food Service Program Seeks Sponsors in Hawaiʻi To Provide Meals for Children

The US Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program is seeking sponsor organizations on all Hawaiian islands to help provide children in low-income communities with free meals during the summer months. 

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides nutritious meals that help children to learn, play and grow during the summer break when many schools are not in session.

Schools, public agencies, churches and private nonprofit organizations may apply to be SFSP sponsors.  Sponsoring organizations receive reimbursements for serving healthy meals and snacks at approved sites to children and teenagers, 18 years and younger.  Sponsors are encouraged to provide educational or recreational activities.

“Summer food programs are critical for many keiki who rely on school meals for their daily nutrition,” Hawaiʻi State Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto said. “Balanced meals help to fuel learning, physical activities and growth. We thank our partners for their tremendous support during the summer break.”

In 2020, SFSP meals were served at 88 locations throughout the state. Locations varied from nonprofit organizations, preschools, churches, parks and housing facilities. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education has served meals at 203 school locations on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui and the Big Island through its Seamless Summer Option program. 

The Hawaiʻi Child Nutrition Programs will conduct workshops for new and returning sponsors on Maui, Hawaiʻi, Kauaʻi and Oʻahu from March 22 to April 2.  Personnel responsible for administering the SFSP will be required to attend.

For more information about SFSP, contact Daniel Sutcharitkul at the Hawaiʻi Child Nutrition Programs at 808-587-3600 or via email at Daniel.Sutcharitkul@k12.hi.us.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.