It’s Time to Start Thinking About Summer Meals 

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) allows kids and teens age 18 and under access to healthy meals at no cost throughout the summer months. Most sites are “open” sites, where there is no sign-up or paperwork required; kids can just drop by when meals are served. 

Across the state, community groups, school districts, anti-hunger organizations, and the New York State Education Department are working in partnership to raise community awareness and increase site participation to expand access to summer meals. In summer 2023, this vital program allowed nearly 450 schools and community organizations to serve free, healthy meals at thousands of sites across New York State. 

However, federal-level data shows that only 1 in 4 of New York’s low-income children ate summer meals in July 2022 (FRAC 2023). This translates to only 425,114 children accessing a summer lunch compared to the 1.5 million children who rely on free or reduced-price school lunch every school day. Read more from Hunger Solutions New York on SFSP participation here.   

If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor or site in summer 2024, our dedicated summer meals page, SummerMealsNY.org, includes information to help you get started. Access outreach materials, USDA's interactive mapping tools, previous webinar recordings, and more so you can help fill the gap in meal access. Summer meals will help meet a critical need for nutritious food as food insecurity continues to rise for families with children. For individualized help, reach out to Afterschool and Summer Meals Specialist Cody Bloomfield. 

Stay tuned for updates regarding NYSED’s SFSP sponsor training dates as well as more information on the new, permanent rural non-congregate SFSP flexibility and Summer EBT!

Resources for Additional Federal Nutrition Programs

Get ready for National School Breakfast Week with Resources from SED!

National School Breakfast Week (March 4-8, 2024) is around the corner! Prepare to celebrate school breakfast in your district with the following resources from the New York State Education Department (SED), Office of Child Nutrition:

1. School Breakfast Promotion Toolkit: This resource includes a variety of posters, bookmarks, stickers, coloring books, and recipes to help you create fun and engaging National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) activities that suit your schools' needs and preferences. Learn more about the toolkit here and place your order by January 31 to ensure delivery in time for NSBW.
2. Virtual Child Nutrition Training “School Breakfast Week: Promotion, Best Practices and Ideas”: Join the New York State Education Department, Office of Child Nutrition to learn best practices on promoting breakfast and sharing ways to celebrate National School Breakfast Week. Tuesday, February 27 from 1-2pm | Register Here

CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Meals: Apply Anytime!

Eligible afterschool programs can serve healthy meals and snacks after school, on weekends, and during holiday breaks throughout the school year. While many schools already serve afterschool snacks through NSLP, CACFP provides an opportunity to provide greater nutrition for students and 4x the reimbursement for schools when providing a complete meal. 

To be eligible for CACFP, the afterschool program must be located within the attendance area of a school where 50% or more of the students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Visit AfterschoolMealsNY.org to learn more about eligibility and how to apply. For individualized help, reach out to Afterschool and Summer Meals Specialist, Cody Bloomfield. 

Connect with Modernized WIC

WIC provides healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and more to pregnant individuals, new and breastfeeding moms, infants, and children under age five. Primary caregivers can also apply for their children under age five. With options for remote or in-person appointments, online nutrition education, and other modernizations, it’s easier than ever for families to participate in WIC. Use the WIC Help NY Resource Center to share information with families in your community, especially those participating in your early childhood programming. In addition to sample social media posts and short videos available in the Resource Center, you can use this form to bulk order a free printed supply of postcards and fact sheets promoting WIC.

Help with SNAP Application Assistance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the state’s largest nutrition assistance program, helping more than 2.8 million New Yorkers put food on their table each month. Hunger Solutions New York’s Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) offers free, confidential, one-on-one help applying for SNAP across the state. Visit FoodHelpNY.org to find your county’s NOEP Coordinator and partner to expand local SNAP outreach.

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser