The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program is looking for sponsors on all islands to help provide free meals to keiki in low-income communities during the summer.

The SFSP provides meals to children 18 years and younger during the summer break when many schools are not in session.

Schools, public agencies, churches and private nonprofit organizations can apply to be a SFSP sponsor. Sponsors will receive reimbursements for serving healthy meals and snacks at approved sites and are also encouraged to provide educational or recreational activities.

According to the Hawaii State Department of Education, children at 120 non-HIDOE locations throughout the state, including locations at public charter schools, nonprofit organizations, preschools, churches, parks and housing facilities, received meals during the summer of 2024.

HIDOE served free meals at 73 schools and alternative learning programs on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii Island through its Seamless Summer Option program in summer 2024.

In March, the Hawaii Child Nutrition Program will hold virtual workshops for new and returning sponsors. Personnel responsible for administering the SFSP will be required to attend.

Contact Shaynee Moreno at the Hawaii Child Nutrition Program at 808-587-3600 or email shaynee.moreno@k12.hi.us for more information about the Summer Food Service Program.