Ohio Department of Education and Workforce announces Summer Food Service Program

Director Stephen D. Dackin announced the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is seeking local nonprofit agencies to participate as sponsors or sites for this year’s Summer Food Service Program to increase participation in summer meal programs. 

The Summer Food Service Program ensures children ages 1-18 continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer break from school, when they do not have access to school breakfast or lunch. In summer 2023, Ohio summer program sponsors served more than 5 million meals at more than 2,000 sites across the state.

Through the program, free meals are provided at schools, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, parks, camps, community centers, swimming pools, libraries, low-income housing complexes and more. Sponsoring organizations receive reimbursement to cover the costs of providing nutritious meals and snacks to children in eligible areas. Nonprofit organizations offering summer activities for children living in low-income areas also are encouraged to apply. 

“We want our children to be focused, ready and excited to learn throughout the year and having nutritious foods is critical to this,” said Stephen D. Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. “Ohio is focused on student wellness and being able to provide healthy meals to children through the Summer Food Service Program means they are fueled for learning and ready to grow, explore, and discover during the summer months.”

The Department’s Summer Food Service Program site map is updated weekly during the summer months with all approved open and restricted open sites. Summer camps or closed enrolled sites may require a free meal application using the USDA Secretary's family-size and income standards for reduced price school meals labeled “SFSP Income Eligibility Standards.” 

A foster child and children who are members of households receiving SNAP, FDPIR, or TANF benefits are automatically eligible to receive free meal benefits at eligible camp and closed enrolled sites. Meals are available without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

In summer 2023, Summer Food Service Program sponsors provided meals to children in 79 Ohio counties. Expansion of the program is particularly needed in southern Ohio counties, where families struggle with food insecurity, as well as in rural communities and areas where migrant families reside. 

A sponsoring organization must be one of the following: 

• Public or nonprofit private school; 

• Public or nonprofit private residential summer camp; 

• Unit of local, municipal, county or state government; 

• Public or nonprofit college or university; or 

• Private nonprofit organization. 

The Summer Food Service Program is funded by the USDA and administered by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Children with disabilities and approved individualized education programs may participate through age 21. 

Any organization interested in becoming a sponsor or site should complete the potential sponsor survey. Potential sponsors interested in participating in the 2024 program should complete the survey no later than Monday, April 1.