It’s Time to Think About Summer Meals for Kids

There are hungry kids in every county in Washington during the summer 367,000 families in Washington face the threat of hunger every day; 452,076 schoolkids get free or reduced price meals during the school year. Many of them rely on the federal Summer Food Service Program (Summer Meals) that provides free meals and snacks to children and teens to ensure they have enough to eat when school is out.

Your organization or school can help feed kids through the Summer Meals program Summer meals programs are supported through OSPI by USDA funds to serve kids (18 yrs and younger) at Summer Meal sites in eligible schools, parks, summer activities, food banks, churches and more. Washington’s new “Summer Meals Guide” is filled with information, ideas and people to help you get started. 2011 Washington Summer Meals Guide Learn the basics about Summer Meals Schools and areas in your community eligible to serve Summer Meals

Summer Meal programs in your community - who has been feeding local kids? See which schools or organizations in your county hosted meal sites in 2010 – where they were, how long they operated and who to talk to in your community to get ready for Summer 2011. Check out 2010 Summer Meal sponsors and sites by county

Now is the time to plan for Summer Meals in 2011 Community partnerships make Summer Meal programs successful. The WA Summer Meals Statewide Partnership developed a resource Toolkit to help partners identify needs, gaps and ways to work together for a successful summer program. Washington's Summer Meal Resource Toolkit Funding opportunities for Summer Meal Programs

What's Next? Organizations that want to sponsor a Summer Meals program work with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to get training, information and support throughout the spring and summer. Here is what your local sponsor needs to know for summer 2011: Learn more from OSPI about being a sponsor Letter of Intent to Participate as a Summer Meals Sponsor Required Training for Summer Meals Sponsors - dates & locations For more information, contact Nancy Van’t Hul at OSPI (360) 725-6222

The WA Summer Meals Partnership sends periodic newsletters to keep statewide partners up-to-date on the latest information about the Summer Meals Program.