The Maryland State Department of Education is looking for public and private nonprofit organizations willing to serve as meal sites for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
The SFSP is a U.S. Department of Agriculture summer program that provides free, nutritious meals to children and teenagers who depend on their schools for meals while school is in session. In 2023, SFSP served nearly 4 million meals from more than 1,300 sites to children up to the age of 18, and to people over 18 who have special needs who attend a public or private nonprofit school.
“Food insecurity during summer months is a concern for Maryland families who rely on school meals during the school year,” said Dr. Carey Wright, Interim State Superintendent of Schools, in a statement. “MSDE wants to build strong community relationships and partnerships across the state through a network of free summer meal sites. By expanding the network of sites, particularly in rural areas, families will have increased access to healthy and nutritious meals all year long.”
According to the Maryland Food Bank, as many as one-third of the state’s six million residents face food insecurity this year, despite Maryland being one of the wealthiest states in the nation. The problem is disproportionately worse for people living in communities of color, and children who face food insecurity suffer long-term effects that impact their academic success, mental wellness, and physical health.
Organizations that offer their sites to serve as meal serving and distribution sites receive reimbursement from SFSP if they are in areas where at least 50 percent of the households qualify for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program. They can also receive reimbursement if at least 50 percent of the households are in rural and migrant farm areas, or 50 percent of the children are enrolled in a summer program qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Most organizations can be reimbursed for up to two meals or snacks per child per day, though camps and migrant programs may be reimbursed for up to three meals per child per day. The meals and snacks must meet federal nutrition standards.
Organizations wishing to take part in this program as a meal site must apply by Saturday, June 15, 2024, by calling the Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs at 410-767-0199.
For more information, visit this link.
