Sponsors sought for Summer Food Service Program to provide meals for children

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

The 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 that provide meals for keiki during the summer break are needed more than ever as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our communities,” said Interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi. “Balanced meals help to keep students learning and physically active and we cannot thank our generous partners enough for their continued commitment and support through this difficult time.”

In 2021, meals were served at 96 non-HIDOE locations throughout the state, including locations at public charter schools, nonprofit organizations, preschools, churches, parks, and housing facilities. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education has served meals free of charge at 261 school locations and alternative learning programs on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island through its Seamless Summer Option program in School Year 2021-22. 

The Hawaiʻi Child Nutrition Programs will conduct virtual workshops for new and returning sponsors in March. Personnel responsible for administering the SFSP will be required to attend. 

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