The Indiana Department of Education encourages schools and qualified community organizations to participate in the 2022 Summer Food Service Program.

The program reimburses local sponsors that serve healthy free meals and snacks to children ages 18 and younger. Sponsorship is open to public and private nonprofit groups, including local governments, summer camps, religious organizations and recreation centers. Organizations also may consider partnering with an existing sponsor, such as a school corporation, to serve students in areas where children may lack good nutrition during the summer months.

In 2021, more than 280 Indiana sponsors served nearly 22 million meals during the summer months. In addition to providing free meal service in a local community, many sponsors offer educational or physical activities for students.

Created in 1968, the Summer Food Service Program is funded and operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is administered by the states. Participating organizations must adhere to all USDA regulations.

The program is funded through a reimbursement based on the number of meals served to eligible participants. Any student 18 or under is eligible to receive meals through the Summer Food Service Program by visiting a meal site.

The application deadline for new sponsors is April 15. IDOE will host multiple required webinars for new and returning sponsors. Information is available online at in.gov/doe/nutrition/summer-food-service-program.