Did you know that 87 percent of children who receive subsidized school meals, often go hungry during the summer months? Mostly this is because their families are unaware of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The SFSP provides children from low-income families with free, nutritious meals during the summer months - which help take the place of the meals they are missing while school is out. 

It's a big problem, but there’s a simple way your school can help – tell others about the SFSP! The more people know about what’s available, the more likely they are to take action to help themselves and their children.

Whether you put together a flyer for your school families or start an awareness campaign for your whole community, it helps.  Some great things to include are information on childhood hunger, statistics about hunger (especially during the summer months) and information on SFSP feeding sites near you. Just getting this information out can make a difference for families in your area.

The best way to find out where and what is available near you is to contact your local Feeding America food bank or contact your state agency that handles child nutrition programs. 

For additional information and background on SFSP check out the resources below:

• Summer Food Service Program - About
• Feeding America - About SFPS
• Summer Food Service Program – FAQs