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Indiana Department of Education seeks eligible organizations to participate in 2020 Summer Meals Program

Last Updated on January 22, 2020 by cassnetwork

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is recruiting eligible schools and qualified community organizations to participate in the 2020 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). During the summer months, SFSP provides nutritious meals to eligible children ages 18 and under.

“The Summer Food Service Program is vital to the health and wellbeing of some of Indiana’s most vulnerable children,” said State Superintendent Dr. Jennifer McCormick. “I encourage all capable schools and community organizations to participate and ensure Indiana’s children have access to nutritious meals when school is not in session. Together, we can make a difference.”

Created in 1968, SFSP is funded and operated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and administered by the states. Participating organizations must adhere to all USDA regulations, including meal service and recordkeeping, and are reimbursed for their participation.

In 2019, 250 school corporations, local governments, and non-profit agency sponsors served 2.5 million meals at more than 1,300 meal sites throughout Indiana. Despite the large number of meals served, less than one out of every five low-income Indiana children receiving free or reduced lunch during the school year take advantage of the free meals offered during the summer months.

For 2020, IDOE is encouraging participating agencies to expand their programs to feed children and teens for the entire summer break, in areas where children are most at-risk for hunger. Schools located in high poverty areas are especially encouraged to participate.

The application deadline for potential sponsors is April 30 and IDOE will host multiple training workshops across the state for new and returning sponsoring organizations. Attendance is required for all new and returning sponsoring agencies.

For additional information regarding SFSP, including how to register for the training workshops, please visit: www.doe.in.gov/nutrition/summer-food-service-program.

SOURCE: News release from Indiana Department of Education

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