From staff reports
The Pennsylvania Department of Education today urged Pennsylvanians to remember the many food assistance programs available to children and their families during the summer months.
“It is critical that students continue to have access to healthy meals when school is not in session, especially during the summer months when they’re busy growing, learning, and playing,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “There are hundreds of summer food sites operating across the Commonwealth, and it’s easier than ever to find a site near you. We encourage all parents and caretakers to locate their nearest location online or by phone or text.”
The USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder can help families access Summer Meal Program locations in their area. The program provides meals to children participating in enrichment, recreational, or activity programs over the summer. The site finder is also available in Spanish. It is updated weekly over the summer months.
Children 18 years and under may receive meals through the program. And individuals 19 years and older who have a mental and physical disability and participates during the school year in a public or private school program is also eligible to receiver meals.
Meals are served at sites located in areas with significant concentrations of children from low-income families. All meals and snacks served through the SFSP must meet federal nutrition standards, and require servings of grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables, and milk.
Participating organizations are reimbursed for meals served to children who live in areas in which at least 50 percent of the children qualify for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program.
Most participating organizations may be reimbursed for up to two meals a day: lunch or dinner, and breakfast or a snack. Those serving primarily migrant children may be reimbursed for up to three meals a day. Camps may serve up to three meals a day, but they are reimbursed only for meals served to children eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program.
The Summer Food Service Program, which began in 1976, is a federally-funded child nutrition program designed to reach those who are age 18 or younger in economically disadvantaged areas.
The Shapiro Administration is committed to helping Pennsylvania kids get healthy, nutritious meals year-round. That’s why Gov. Shapiro has requested $38.5 million in funding to continue providing universal free breakfast to students for the 2023-24 school year. Since its implementation, the Free School Breakfast Program has served more than 23 million breakfasts to students across the Commonwealth. The Free School Breakfast Program ensures that all students have access to a healthy, nutritious meal to start the school day and eliminates the stigma associated with free and reduced-price breakfast that may deter eligible students from participating.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education, visit the website or follow PDE on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Pinterest.