Summer Meals

Hunger in the Summer

The Problem: Food Insecurity During Summer

Many Ohio families struggle to consistently provide healthy food for their children. Only 1 in 10 children who receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year also access summer meals.

For children, summer break can increase:

    • Food insecurity
    • Risk of hunger
    • Learning loss in low-income children
    • Weight gain due to loss of balanced school meals and poor nutrition

The Opportunity: Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

Many organizations offer summer enrichment programs (e.g., recreation centers, libraries, camps). However, the cost of healthy meals can strain program budgets.

  • The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) helps by:
    • Reimbursing approved organizations when meals meet USDA requirements
    • Supporting programs in low-income areas

Children's Hunger Alliance Offers Support!

CHA partners with programs across Ohio—schools, churches, parks, libraries, and more—to provide healthy meals and simplify logistics.

What We Provide:

  • Nutritious meals at no cost to your program
  • Meal logistics coordination—preparation and delivery
  • Administrative and regulatory support, including:
    • Training staff on record-keeping and regulations
    • Ongoing program support
    • Managing financial responsibilities
    • Covering meal costs
    • Expanding food access

Meal Details

Meals are:

  • Prepared and delivered by vendors as individual, pre-portioned meals
  • Shelf-stable options available where cold delivery isn’t feasible

All menus meet USDA nutritional standards and include:

  • Meat or meat alternative
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains or bread
  • Milk

Shelf-stable meals are also provided as:

  • Backup in case of delivery disruptions
  • Extra meals for fluctuating attendance

How Can Your Program Get Started?

To participate, your responsibilities are minimal:

  • Attend a pre-service training
  • Place and adjust standing food orders
  • Accept deliveries and monitor temperatures (if applicable)
  • Serve meals at a consistent daily time
  • Create a share table for unopened food
  • Track and report the number of meals served

Support for Schools and Community Partners

We also help schools and organizations start or expand summer meal services.

How We Help:

  • Free expert guidance on enrolling in:
    • Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
    • Seamless Summer Option (SSO) for schools
  • Marketing support to raise awareness and boost participation
  • Consulting on best practices to improve summer meal programs

Summer Food Resources

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