Office of Educational Services & Support

''Food That's In...When School Is Out"

A Parent's Guide to the Summer Food Service Program for Children

The Summer Food Service Program for Children (Summer Program) provides nutritious meals in low-income communities when school is out. Your child can continue to grow and learn during the summer and be nutritionally ready when school starts in the fall. 

Ways to Help Make your Neighborhood Summer Program a Success

Know The Rules

• Meals are free and are to be eaten at the site.
• The meals are for children ( at some sites, adult food service staff may be served.)
• Meals must be eaten during specific assigned times.
• All meals must meet State and local health and safety standards.
• The entire meal must be served to each child.

Get Involved

• Encourage your child and neighborhood children to attend.
• Walk your child to the site, whenever possible.
• Volunteer to organize games or activities for the children.
• Encourage nutrition education activities at the site.
• Support site staff. Tell them you appreciate what they are doing.
• Ask your child about activities at the site

If there is no Summer Program in your area, ask your school or neighborhood leaders to start one.