HONOLULU – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is seeking sponsor organizations on all islands to help provide children in low-income communities with reduced-price meals during the summer months. The SFSP provides nutritious meals that help children to learn, play and grow during the summer break when many schools are not in session.
Schools, public agencies, and private nonprofit organizations may apply to be SFSP sponsors. Sponsoring organizations receive reimbursements for serving healthy meals and snacks at approved sites to children and teenagers, 18 years and younger. Sponsors are encouraged to provide educational or recreational activities.
"Summer food service programs are vital to many of our keiki who normally rely on school meals for most of their daily intake," said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. "Well-rounded, nutritious meals are a priority for children who need regular fuel for learning, physical activities and growth."
In 2016, a daily average of 12,829 children, 18 years and younger, participated in Summer Meals Programs. This average increased by 1,125 children per day from the previous year. SFSP sites are often located at nonprofit organizations, preschools, churches, parks and housing facilities and the Hawaii State Department of Education's Seamless Summer Option provides meals at select school locations.
The Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs (HCNP) will conduct workshops for new and returning sponsors on Maui, Hawaii, Kauai and Oahu from March 14 to 24. Personnel responsible for administering the SFSP will be required to attend.
For more information about SFSP, contact Jennifer Dang at Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs at 587-3600.