Kids still need nutritious food, even when school is out. You can apply to operate one of the following:
Summer Food Service Program
- The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) offers free meals and snacks to all kids 18 and under at schools, parks, and other eligible locations.
- The state agency reimburses sponsors for meals served at approved sites in low-income areas.
- Ideal if you sponsor enrichment, recreational, or activity programs over the summer.
Non Congregate Meals
- The non-congregate summer meal service option allows certain rural areas to distribute nutritious meals to kids outside of the typically required group (congregate) settings.
Seamless Summer Option
- Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) are eligible to apply for the Seamless Summer Option.
- The same NSLP and SBP rules apply for meal service. Meals served are reimbursed at the NSLP and/or SBP “free” rates which are slightly lower than the Summer Food Service Program rates.
- Less paperwork, making it easier for schools to feed children during the traditional summer vacation periods and, for year-round schools, long school vacation periods.
Summer EBT
- The Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program or Summer EBT (SEBT) is a grocery benefit that offers families $120 per eligible child in the summer.
- Many school-age children will get SEBT automatically if their household receives other income-based benefits like SNAP or TANF, but some will need to apply. Children attending a school that offers the NSLP or SBP are also eligible if their household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
- See if your state, territory, or Tribe participates in SEBT. If families need to apply, they will be asked to provide information such as the child's name and date of birth, school, home address, and household income.
National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs
- The National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program are available for any school that is hosting an academic summer school.
- Schools serve meals only to enrolled students and follow the same rules and claiming procedures as a regular school year for free, reduced-price, and paid meals.