Hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process. Lack of nutrition during the summer months may set up a cycle for poor performance once school begins again. Hunger also may make children more prone to illness and other health issues. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is designed to fill that nutrition gap and make sure children can get the nutritious meals they need.

In Minnesota during summer 2012, more than 130 schools and organizations operated almost 600 SFSP sites and served over 2.2 million meals to children 18 and under. Despite this effort, only about 15 percent of needy children are reached with summer meals.

The Minnesota Department of Education seeks additional sponsors for underserved communities needing summer meal sites. Many sponsors combine a meal program with a summer educational or recreational activity program. Interested organizations may also become a meal site under a local sponsor or volunteer by transporting food, setting up or cleaning up a site, serving meals, organizing an activity, or sharing information about meal sites with families. More details are provided in the SFSP Frequently Asked Questions.

Interested schools and nonprofit organizations may register their interest by submitting the Interest Survey-New Participants.

Renewing sponsors should submit their Declaration of Intent to Participate annually by March 1.

Related offsite resources include links to SFSP handbooks, memos and regulations, outreach toolkit, grants and other program resources. Subscribe to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) listserv to receive important and timely information on FNS topics.

Required nondiscrimination statement: In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Program Regulations
Current program regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), are available on the U.S. Government Printing Office website.

• Summer Food Service Program (7 CFR 225)

U.S. Department of Agriculture Memos
Links to key USDA SFSP memos are provided below; for a complete set, use the link to USDA Policy Memos.

• SFSP Questions and Answers (SFSP 05-2013) Includes Q&As on Summer Food Service Program topics including site applications, financial management and camps.
• Summer Feeding Options for School Food Authorities (SFSP 04-2013)
• Guidance on the Food Donation Program in Child Nutrition Programs (SP 07-2012)
• Serving Additional Foods (SP 06-2012) Allowable use of program funds to serve additional foods that are not needed to meet meal pattern requirements.
• Eligibility Based on Census Data (SFSP 02-2012)
• Rural Development's Community Facilities Program (SP 01-2012)

• 2013 Summer Food Service Program Facts 
  Key facts about participation, funding, eligibility and more for the Summer Food Service Program.
• "Open" Summer Food Service Sites (summer 2012) 
  All sites provide free meals to children 18 and under. Meals offered may be breakfast, lunch, supper or snack. Sites listed by county, city, days of operation and site contact information.
• Listserv Subscribe/Unsubscribe Form 
  E-mail listservs are used to communicate important and late-breaking program information to customers. Complete and submit form to be included on FNS listservs for indicated Child Nutrition Programs.