Bridging the gap when school is not in session, more than 1,000 sites in Kentucky provide almost 2 million breakfasts, lunches, and snacks to Kentucky children annually through the Summer Food Service Program for Children (SFSP).

During the school year, many children receive free and reduced – priced breakfast and lunch through the School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs.  What happens when school lets out?  Hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process.  Lack of nutrition during the summer months may set up a cycle for poor performance once school begins again.  Hunger also may make children more prone to illness and other health issues.  The Summer Food Service Program is designed to fill that nutrition gap and make sure children can get the nutritious meals they need.

  The Summer Food Service Program reaches only a fraction of the children in need.  The primary reason for the limited access to the program is that there are not enough feeding sites.  Your community building or place of faith could become a feeding site.  Sites are the physical locations where food is served.  Each site location must work with a Summer Food Service Program sponsor that is financially and administratively responsible for the meal service at the site.  You can also help by coordinating site participation with other youth activity programs in your area.  

While feeding children is the top priority of the Summer Food Service Program, programming is what keeps children coming back.  This takes volunteers – and LOTS of them!  Volunteers can help with basics like transporting food, setting up or cleaning up a site – they also plan and do educational or recreational activities with the children.  We encourage Summer Food Service Program sponsors to contact the Pulaski County Board of Education’s Food Service Department if you are interested in utilizing the Summer Feeding Program at 606-679-1123.  Pulaski County will be participating from June 4th through July 31st.  

Tell others how the Summer Food Service Program helps feed hungry children and discuss how they or their organization can help.  The more people know about the issues, the more likely they are to take action to help end hunger or know how to help their own children.

In accordance with Federal Law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice).  Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 645-6136 (Spanish).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Contact food services at 679-1123 for more information.