BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Education (IED) is seeking local sponsors to participate in the 2024 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), according to the department.
The program operates during the summer months, when the (IDE) collaborates with businesses within Idaho communities to provide free meals and snacks to children under 18 at various sites across the Treasure Valley that have a large number of low-income households.
Roughly 8.6 percent of Idaho's children have experienced food insecurity, according Feeding America's 2021 Map the Meal Gap.
The department stated in a news release that the SFSP program was designed to address the increased need for food during the summer months when school is not in session.
"This is an indispensable service for Idaho's children, especially those who have a harder time accessing regular, healthy meals while school is out," said Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield. "We're looking for organizations in our communities to step up to help Idaho kids this summer."
For the 2024 program year, sponsors may be, but are not limited to:
- Public or private nonprofit schools
- Public or private nonprofit residential camps
- Local, municipal, county, tribal or state governments
- Public or private nonprofit colleges or universities that participate in the National Youth Sports Program
- Upward Bound programs, religious organizations, libraries and private nonprofit organizations.
Sponsor information:
IDE said sponsors are needed all across Idaho, especially in rural areas where there are greater coverage gaps.
Sponsors are reimbursed for each qualifying breakfast, lunch, snack and supper they serve at approved sites, according to the IDE news release.
All sponsors, new and returning, must attend training at a location (most convenient for them) and must complete the application process. The 2024 training schedule for new sponsors is as follows:
- Boise – Friday, March 1
- Pocatello – Wednesday, March 6
- Coeur D'Alene – Tuesday, March 12
The department partners with the Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force to increase awareness and recruitment. Needs by region:
- Region 1: The SFSP lacks adequate coverage in the communities of St. Maries, Boundary County, Kootenai, Kellogg and Wallace.
- Region 2: The only SFSP sponsors in Region 2 are in Lewiston, Lapwai, Moscow and Grangeville.
- Region 3: Only the Boise and West Ada school districts, as well as the Boys and Girls Club of Ada County currently cover Ada County.
- Region 6: SFSP does not have sponsors in Custer and Teton counties and only one in Lemhi County.
Application information will be provided to eligible sponsors and is due to IDE by April 26. Department approval is required prior to program operation.
For more information on becoming a sponsor for the Summer Food Service Program or serving as a feeding site, call (208) 332-6828 or visit the website here.
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