Hunger Doesn't Take a Summer Vacation
Nearly a quarter of a million low-income children in Maryland depend on School Meals for the good nutrition they need to learn and grow. For these children, the start of summer vacation brings an end to free or reduced-price school breakfast and lunch. Fortunately, there is a program that can help provide nutritious meals to low-income children during the months when school is closed. It's called the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

What is the SFSP?
It's a federally funded program that provides money for meals served to low-income children attending camps, school programs, and other activities. The program is administered on a federal level by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and here in Maryland by the Maryland State Department of Education's (MSDE) School and Community Nutrition Programs Branch.

How Does the SFSP Work?
The SFSP is part of a structured program run by a public or nonprofit school, local government agency, or other private, nonprofit organization. Church groups, county recreation groups, housing authorities, and others operate SFSP "sites". Sites usually offer some kind of activity in addition to meals. Sites eligible to serve free meals under the SFSP receive partial reimbursement for each meal/snack served, as well as money to cover administrative costs for children qualifying for free or reduced-price meals.

How Do Sites Qualify as Low-Income?
There are several ways to qualify. Open sites operate in areas where at least 50% of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Sites may also qualify if 50% of the children enrolled in a program are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Contact MSDE Summer Food Service Program Specialist, Bruce Schenkel, at 410-767-0225 or bschenkel@msde.state.md.us to find out if your site qualifies.

A Guide to Starting The Summer Food Service Program in Your Community

If you operate a program that kids attend during the summer, you should consider becoming part of the Summer Food Service Program.