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Indiana Department of Education Encourages Participation in Summer Meals Program
Thursday, January 28, 2021

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Education encourages schools and qualified community organizations to participate in the 2021 Summer Food Service Program, following strong program growth in 2020.

The SFSP provides nutritious meals to children ages 18 and under in the summer when school is out of session. The United States Department of Agriculture approved waivers last year allowing organizations to continue the SFSP beyond the summer and through the 2020-2021 school year. That led the SFSP program to grow dramatically in 2020 – with over 16 million meals served at 976 sites through October 2020 (the most recent data available).


Created in 1968, the SFSP is funded and operated by the USDA and 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 ages 18 or under is eligible to receive meals through the SFSP by visiting a meal site.


Participating sponsors – including eligible school corporations, local governments and qualified non-profit agencies – are encouraged to continue their meal service for summer 2021 to accommodate needs in their communities. They’re also encouraged to consider expanding operations to areas where access to food and transportation may be limited to ensure continuous meal service to all low-income children.

IDOE will host multiple required webinars for new and returning sponsors. To apply, sponsors must submit their application by April 30 to Tina Skinner at IDOE.



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