The state Department of Education is looking for sponsors for the Summer Food Service Program.
The program gives free meals and snacks to kids in low-income areas during the summer.
Many South Dakota kids receive free and reduced-price meals through the School Breakfast and National School Lunch programs, but the programs are not available when school is not in session.
The Summer Food Service Program fills that gap. Kids up to age 18 and adults with disabilities who participate in school programs are eligible for the summer program.
Community organizations, nonprofits, schools, tribal governments and local governments can apply to be sponsors if they operate in low-income areas, serve a group of mostly low-income children, or operate a summer camp with a high proportion of low-income participants.
Parks and recreation departments, city and county health departments, libraries and neighborhood service agencies can also participate as sites or sponsors.
Sponsorships are available statewide, with opportunities for new sponsors in the following counties: Bennett, Bon Homme, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Custer, Gregory, McCook, Meade, Ogalala Lakota, and Stanley.
Organizations interested in reviewing sponsor responsibilities and serving meals during summer 2024 are invited to complete the SFSP pre-screen tool by Feb. 1, 2024. Once eligibility is determined, department staff will contact sponsors with more information.
To learn more about serving as a sponsor or site, call Child and Adult Nutrition Services at 605-773-3413. For more information, please review the SFSP fact sheet.