Summer Food Service Program

Regional Food and Nutrition Service offices

State agency contacts

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) was created to ensure that children in lower-income areas could continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations, when they do not have access to school lunch or breakfast. The program offers funding on a per-meal basis to organizations that provide meals to low-income children during the summer.

Certain SFSP operators may be approved to provide meal service in non-congregate settings for low-income, rural communities.

Program fact sheets

Examples of local organizations that serve as SFSP sponsors include:

• Public and private nonprofit schools
• Units of local, municipal, county, tribal, and state government
• Nonprofit organizations
• Public and private nonprofit camps
• Colleges and universities

Sponsors must be able to provide a capable staff, managerial skills, and food service capabilities.

The state agency reimburses SFSP sponsors on a per-meal basis for the meals they serve to eligible participants that meet program requirements.

Reimbursement Rate Tables

Each state has its own application and training process. Connect with the appropriate state agency contacts responsible for child nutrition programs to learn more about submitting an application.

Federal regulations require that all sponsor applications be submitted to the state agency by June 15. States may establish earlier deadlines, but are encouraged to work with sponsors wishing to apply after the deadline has passed.

Additional guidance:

• How to become a sponsor
• Administrative guidance for sponsors
• Nutrition guidance for sponsors
• Site Supervisor's Guide