Accessing Summer Food and After School Snack Resources

Serve Food to Youth this Summer!

Given the current economic crisis, many of the children that participate in programs will desperately need nutritious meals this summer. Luckily, in many communities, a large Summer Food sponsor, such as the parks and recreation department or the food bank, is willing to provide summer meals to summer programs. The challenge is linking summer programs to Summer Food sponsors.

Learn how to access federal funds to provide meals during the summer and become a summer food site (and operate under the umbrella of a sponsor). There are a number of after school snack programs that are available. You can utilize the local Food Bank resources to provide food to youth all year round.

Click here for Summer 2009 Meal Service Sites

Sign up to be matched with a Summer Food Sponsor
The easiest way to link to summer food this summer may be to operate under the umbrella of an existing sponsored summer food site. Check out this

toolkit to find ways to partner with existing sites.

Becoming a Sponsor of Summer Food Programs is a very real option
It may be difficult to become a sponsor of summer food programs for this summer. To begin the process of becoming a summer food sponsor call the CDE Nutrition Services Division at 1-800-952-5609. Ask to be put on their mailing list and learn how to begin the application process. Check out their website. 

After School Snack Programs
• The National School Lunch After School Meals Program (For School Districts)
• The Child and Adult Care Food Program (For outside of school programs, snack and supper served when school is not in session)
• Community Child Nutrition Snack Project (An After School Snack Program that can provide snack to eligible organizations)

For more info about the programs, click here.

To get started, call the CDE Nutrition Services Division at 1-800-952-5609 or check out their website. 

Need to find a Meal Site location near you?  Click here for Summer 2009 Meal Service Sites