(INDIANAPOLIS) – The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is looking for new sponsors, especially eligible schools and qualified community organizations, to participate in the 2019 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
During the summer months, SFSP provides nutritious meals to eligible children ages 18 and under. Last year, more than 260 sponsors, including school corporations, local governments, and non-profit agencies, served students in low-income areas; however, 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.
“The Summer Food Service Program is an important initiative that ensures our children stay healthy and nourished when school is not in session,” said Dr. Jennifer McCormick, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “I encourage schools and community organizations to continue to partner and participate. Collectively and in collaboration, we can make a difference in all Indiana communities.”
In 2018, SFSP sponsors served nearly 2.7 million meals at more than 1400 feeding sites throughout the state. Despite a 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.
Since its establishment 50 years ago, SFSP has been funded and operated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the states. Participating organizations are reimbursed for their involvement in the program and must adhere to all USDA regulations, including meal service and recordkeeping.
The application deadline for potential sponsors is April 30. Across the state, IDOE will host multiple training workshops for new and returning sponsoring organizations. Attendance is required for all new and returning participants.
For additional information about the SFSP, including how to register for the training workshops, please visit: www.doe.in.gov/nutrition/summer-food-service-program.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
