COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio officials are looking for more sponsors and sites in a federally funded program that offers children from low-income families free breakfasts or lunches during summer when they don’t get the meals at school.
The Ohio Department of Education says the Summer Food Service Program provided meals for an average of nearly 60,000 Ohio students per day last summer. The department wants to increase that number.
“It is important to ensure that Ohio children receive a nutritious meal each day even when school is not in session,” state school superintendent Dr. Richard Ross said.
Nonprofit organizations and schools can qualify for the program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, if half of the children in their areas are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Sponsors receive reimbursements to provide nutritious meals to children at eligible sites.
Potential sponsors are asked to complete an online survey by March 1.
More than 190 sponsors served meals at about 1,450 locations last year.
All new sponsoring agencies will be required to attend a training program in March and complete the application process by April 18.