RI Dept. Of Ed. Seeking Sponsors For Summer Meal Program

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Department is looking for sponsors for this year's summer food service program for children. Organizations can sign up to help make sure students have enough to eat during school vacation.

"During the school year students can enjoy nutritious meals five days a week in school, but for many families accessing healthy meals during the summer can be a challenge," Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green said. "The Summer Food Service Program helps ensure that children most in need do not go hungry and can continue to grow and thrive during the summer break. We encourage local organizations interested in helping us address hunger to apply to participate in the program."

Sponsors can be public or private nonprofit school food authorities, organizations, residential summer camps, nonresidential day camps or units of local or state governments. Sites must serve areas where at least half of the children are eligible for free or reduced meals, or qualify as a residential or day camp. Meals must be given to all enrolled children, regardless of race, sex, disability, age or national origin.

Any organization interested in signing up is asked to reach out to the Department of Education's Office of Statewide Efficiencies by calling 401-222-4253. Applications must be approved before June 15, and organizations are asked to reach out to the department no later than May 15 to start the application process.