In Tennessee, 1 in 4 children face hunger every day.

Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does a child's need for good nutrition. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free, nutritious meals and snacks to help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow throughout the summer months when they are out of school. 

Of the children in Tennessee who qualify for free and reduced lunch, only a small percentage are being reached by summer programs like the SFSP.

While children are in school, they can take advantage of the school breakfast and lunch program. When summer arrives, a vast majority of the children eligible for this program do not know where their next meal is coming from.

Established by Congress in 1968, the SFSP serves to ensure that during school vacation,  children 18 years or younger of low-income could receive the same high quality meals provided during the school year by the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the SFSP under an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and in concert with community partners, known as Sponsors. The SFSP generally begins when school closes in late spring and continues until school opens for the fall term. Special provisions may be made for areas where schools operate on year-round schedules. 

Source: www.tn.gov/humanservices/children/dhs-nutrition-programs/learn-about-the-summer-food-service-program.html 

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