OPI accepting applications for summer meal program

Hungry Horse News

The Montana Office of Public Instruction reports that thousands of children are at risk of experiencing summer learning loss and hunger without access to healthy meals, social engagement, learning and supervision in a safe environment. 

OPI is accepting applications from public and private nonprofit schools, local government agencies or private nonprofit organizations that are interested in sponsoring a Summer Food Service Program in 2016. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program combats summer hunger and learning loss by providing free meals to kids and teens during the summer months when school is out. 

School District 6 hasn’t been able to run the summer program recently because it’s not cost effective, district superintendent Steve Bradshaw said. The federal reimbursement for free or reduced-price meals doesn’t pay for the additional staff and meal planning required during the summer. Already the meal program during the school year operates in the red. In addition, the staff are used to having the summer off, Bradshaw said.

Summer food sites at schools, community centers, parks, pools and many other locations can provide nutritious meals to children all summer long. To qualify as a site, a facility must be located in a neighborhood where at least 50 percent or more of the children in the area are eligible for free or reduced-price meals or must serve primarily low-income children.

To learn more about the Summer Food Service Program visit the OPI School Nutrition Programs website or start the application to sponsor a Summer Food Service Program site by calling 444-2501. The deadline for new sponsors to apply for the SFSP is May 25.