PROVIDENCE, RI – Sometimes the meals children receive at school are the only guaranteed meals they get each day.  And with schools on summer vacation, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, Governor Gina M. Raimondo and First Gentleman Andy Moffit, the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, and others are teaming up with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure every child has access to healthy food over their summer break.  This year they are partnering with non-profits, community organizations, and volunteers to offer the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) at over 200 sites across Rhode Island and hope to serve more than 300,000 meals to hungry kids in need.

The federal Summer Food Service Program is open to any child 18 years of age and younger, and gives them the opportunity to enjoy free, nutritious meals and snacks for most of the summer.  The program is administered by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) in conjunction with community partners throughout the state, such as the Providence Department of Parks + Recreation and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, and operates Mondays through Fridays in most locations, with some sites offering weekend options as well. 

“Kids should enjoy the summer, but we don’t want them taking a break from good nutrition.  This program makes a real difference and is a smart investment in healthy communities.  It brings kids together in a positive environment and helps ensure they are well-fed and have access to recreational and educational activities,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, who has worked at the federal level to provide funding for the Summer Food Service Program.  Reed says the cost of the program depends on the number of meals served, but the state is reimbursed by federal USDA funds.  “No child should be forced to go hungry.  Our goal is to ensure every kid who needs a healthy meal is getting one and every family that needs help knows it is available.”

“Hunger doesn’t take the summer off, and when summer break begins too many Rhode Island kids miss out on the healthy meals they normally receive in school,” said Governor Raimondo. “The Summer Food Service Program is a great example of collaboration between community, city, state, and federal partners to meet a critical need in our communities. My husband Andy and I are committed to raising awareness of food insecurity in Rhode Island, and we encourage families with children to take advantage of this wonderful free program throughout the summer months.”

Last year, Rhode Island served an average of 8,461 meals a day at 192 sites across the state and was reimbursed approximately $1.1 million in federal funding.  This year, the program kicks off on June 29th in Central Falls, East Providence, Newport, North Kingstown, Pawtucket, South Kingstown, and Woonsocket and on July 6th in Providence and several other communities and will continue through the end of the summer.   Providence offers over 35 SFSP sites across city, the most of any community in the state, and the Department of Parks + Recreation administers the program in conjunction with RIDE.

“Providence’s summer lunch program ensures that all children in our city have access to healthy meals when school lets out,” said Mayor Elorza. “We invite children and their caretakers to visit their local park and recreation center every day so children can play, learn, and enjoy a free, nutritious meal.”

Senator Reed, Governor Raimondo, First Gentleman Moffit, Mayor Elorza, and state officials are working together to improve outreach efforts and spread the word to ensure all children who need nutrition assistance may participate in the Summer Food Service Program.  They noted that Rhode Island is one of several states that has received technical assistance from USDA to help boost participation.  USDA officials are working with Rhode Island and key stakeholders to develop action plans to improve program participation.  The goal is to increase participation by as much as 10 percent throughout the state and to continue adding more sites to improve access.

According to RIDE, during the school year, over 72,000 Rhode Island students participate in the national school lunch program.  However, a recent report from the Food Research and Action Center showed that about 83% percent of Rhode Island students receiving free or reduced-price meals during the school year aren’t reached during the summer.

Rhode Islanders wishing to learn more about the program can visit RIDE’s website or call the United Way of Rhode Island information line at 2-1-1.  The National Hunger Hotline also offers a toll free hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY, or 1-877-8-HAMBRE. 

USDA and RIDE are also looking for sponsors in areas of need to register as food providers to help ensure no child goes hungry this summer.  Sponsorship is limited to public or private non-profit school food authorities, state or local governments, public or private non-profit colleges or universities that are operating the National Youth Sports Program, public or private non-profit residential summer camps, and private non-profit organizations that operate special summer programs.  Sponsors may hire a vendor, but most prepare the meals themselves and are reimbursed through the state at a rate of about $3.50 per lunch served, and about $2 per breakfast served.  Visit RIDE’s web site to learn more on how to become a sponsor.

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