SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Education's Nutrition Services Division (NSD) today announced that the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which provides reimbursement to agencies that serve nutritious meals to children 18 years of age and younger during school vacations, will have application packets available at the end of February.

All agencies working with children are being asked to look into what this program offers and to consider the possibility of providing nourishing meals to children this summer.

"We need to ensure that children get enough to eat during the summer or anytime school is out for an extended period. I urge qualified organizations and agencies to apply for the Summer Food Service Program so students can have access to regular meals and snacks when school cafeterias are closed," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell.

The SFSP targets areas where at least 50 percent of the children served are eligible to receive free or reduced-price school meals. The program can run whenever schools in the community are on vacation for at least 15 continuous school days or when year-round schools are in their off-track cycle. In addition, non-school sponsors may now also serve snacks to children after-school where they congregate for after-school programs or other recreational activities.

Agencies eligible to be a SFSP sponsor can include schools, camps, Indian tribal governments, private nonprofit agencies, and municipal, state, county, or local government offices.

Meals served can be prepared by the participating agency or obtained from a public or commercial food vendor or a school food service department. All meals must meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture's minimum meal patterns, which ensure that children receive the nutrients they need to be better prepared when returning to school.

Recently, the SFSP paperwork was simplified and the reimbursement rate changed to a single rate to pay for allowable program costs. The 2008 reimbursement rates and information regarding the SFSP simplified method will become available in the near future and shared with interested agencies.

Agencies interested in becoming a SFSP sponsor must attend one of NSD's training workshops that will be held in late March and early April 2008.

Food service management companies interested in vending meals to a SFSP sponsor must register with the NSD before entering into a vending contract. Interested companies are invited to attend one of the training sessions that will provide information to assist vendors in meeting the SFSP meal pattern, menu planning, production records, and contract requirements.

To receive a training registration form, SFSP application packet, or vendor registration form, log onto the California Department of Education (CDE) Web site at Summer Food Service or contact Melissa Garza at 800-952-5609 or 916-322-5885 or by e-mail to mgarza@cde.ca.gov. You may also contact Patty Atherton at 800-952-5609 or 916-327-5456 or by e-mail to patherton@cde.ca.gov.

Program benefits are available to all children without regard to race, color, sex, handicap, age, or national origin. The CDE is an equal opportunity provider.