Wisconsin is taking proactive steps to combat childhood hunger during the summer months when school meals are not available. The state’s Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has launched an initiative to ensure children in economically disadvantaged areas continue to receive nutritious meals even when school is not in session.

Summer food program seeks community partners

The DPI is actively recruiting sponsors for its Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which aims to provide essential nutrition to children in both economically disadvantaged and rural areas throughout Wisconsin. This vital program helps bridge the nutritional gap that many students face during summer break when they no longer have access to regular school meals. In 2024, the program demonstrated a significant impact, with SFSP sponsors serving more than 2.8 million meals across the state.

Potential program sponsors may include:

• Public and private nonprofit schools
• Local government agencies
• Tribal organizations
• Faith-based organizations
• Camps and recreation programs

School districts combining meal programs with summer school sessions are among the most common program sponsors. Notably, qualifying organizations can now sponsor non-congregate meal service for children in rural areas that are not being served through a congregate meal program.

Organizations interested in becoming sponsors must contact the program coordinator and complete the SFSP application no later than June 15, 2025. The DPI provides training and support to help implement successful meal programs in communities.

For more information about the Summer Food Service Program, interested organizations can visit the DPI’s website.

This article may have been created with the assistance of AI.