A pile of food, including a dipping container of salsa, a box of apple juice, a container of apple sauce and various fruits and vegetables

Summer Food Service Program sites like the one at Frankfort High School (Frankfort Independent) provide thousands of meals to Kentucky children in the summer. Photo by Crystal Sicard, Kentucky Department of Education, July 18, 2024

Many Kentucky families depend on free or reduced-price meals for their children during the school year. When school is out for the summer, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Kentucky Department of Education’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) help ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals to bridge the nutrition gap during these months.

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) encourages schools and nonprofit organizations to sponsor the SFSP and provide free meals to Kentucky children and teens in low-income areas. The USDA provides reimbursement for meals at established rates each year.

Meal sites are often located in public areas, including schools, community centers, parks, family housing complexes and locations operated by faith-based organizations. To participate, your meal service area must not be currently served by another SFSP organization.

A brief virtual overview of the SFSP will be provided to nonprofit and government organizations on Jan. 14 at 2-2:45 p.m. ET.

Sponsoring organizations must be one of the following:

  • A public or nonprofit private school food authority (including school districts).
  • A public or nonprofit private residential summer camp.
  • A unit of a local, municipal, county or state government.
  • A public or nonprofit private college or university; or
  • Other private nonprofit organizations.

Please use the Prospective 2025 SFSP/Sun Meals Overview Webinar Registration Form to register for the event.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider. Visit the USDA website to view its nondiscrimination statement.