Summer Lunch Program

The Summer Food Service Program was created by Congress in 1968 out of concern for children during the summer months. Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does a child's need for good nutrition. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free, nutritious meals to help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow throughout the summer months when they are out of school.

Sites participating in the SFSP (.pdf) must plan menus which meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and provide essential nutrients toward the Recommended Dietary Allowances for the ages of students they are serving (1/3 RDA for lunch). These lunches have the same nutritional components as the lunches served during the school year in the National School Lunch Program.

Nutrition Services sponsors a Summer Lunch Program which is one of the largest in the state. During the Summer of 2006, 100 serving sites provided around 4400 boxed lunches per day supplying the majority of the children's daily nutrition !!!!!!!

The 2007 program runs June 18th - August 3rd and is expected to serve at approximately 110 sites throughout the Cleveland area.

This is "MUNCH" the fox, who is the Spokesperson for Summer Food programs. He encourages kids to come to Summer Food programs in their communities! Look for him in your community!

American School Food Service Association

Ohio Department of Education Child Nutrition Services

USDA Child Nutrition