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
