DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Education is seeking organizations to help provide meals to students across the state during the summer.
Under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Services Program, children 18 years old and younger are able to receive a meal when visiting any of the sites participating in the program. However, the program needs sponsors to help make that happen. According to officials with the Iowa Department of Education, typical sponsoring organizations include colleges and universities, private nonprofits and camps, local agencies and more. The meals are then served at sites such as schools, churches, community centers, parks or libraries. Some sponsors offer mobile meal service, as well. Eligible sites must be located in a low-income neighborhood where at least 50% of children are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.
To help expand this program, the Iowa Department of Education will be rolling out grants to support site sponsors. Officials say the grants will help expand current sites in communities that currently don't have as much access to the program while also encouraging additional school districts and sponsors to participate.
If you're a member of an organization interested in helping with the Summer Food Service Program, you can learn more at the Iowa Department of Education’s Summer Food Service Program webpage, the USDA Summer Food Service Program webpage, or participate in an informational webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m.
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