Summer Food Service Program

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Recommended: Low income families food insecurity

Many families are currently living in poverty. They cannot even afford some of the basic necessities of life. Public schools already prove to be a great aid because they are free to those living in the designated area. However, low-income families may struggle with providing all three meals to their children. During the school year, many schools provide free breakfast and lunch to those who qualify. Yet schools isn’t in session all year long. The Summer Food Service Program provides free or reduced-price meals to children under the age of 18 in low-income families. These programs are crucial because they ensure that children maintain a nutritious diet throughout the summer.
The Summer Food Service Program is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Program. SFPS was first created in 1968. It became a separate organization in 1975. More than 2.28 million students are enrolled in these programs in over 39,000 sites. Programs operate in areas where at least half the children come from families with an income at or below 185% of the Federal poverty line. Federal poverty lines or levels determine in one is eligible for financial assistance. To qualify for free meals, family income has to be below 130% of the Federal poverty line. However, to qualify for reduced-price meals, family incomes have to be between 130% and 185% of the Federal poverty line. Children typically receive two meals a day, but programs centered around migrants give out three meals a day. SFPS is incredibly needed that, as of 2012, Congress designated $398 million to the cause.
A state, county, or even community can do their part by creating and finding available sites and sponsors. Sponsors are “organizations that manage SFSP feedings sites” (USDA). Sites ar...

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...n Illinois.” USDA. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2014. .
“Frequently Asked Questions.” USDA. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2014. .
“How to Become a Sponser.” USDA. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2014. .
“Summer Food Service Program.” Feeding America. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2014. .
“Summer Food Service Program.” USDA. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2014. .
“Summer Nutrition Programs.” Food Research and Action Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2014. .

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