Summer food program needs sponsors to fill gaps in access to healthy meals

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Education

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Education

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) needs additional sponsors to help fill gaps in access to healthy meals. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) administers the federally funded program to ensure all children receive the nutrition they need so they can return to school in the fall healthy and ready to learn. For every 100 children nationally who received meals through the National School Lunch Programs (NSLP) in the 2015-16 school year, only 15 received meals over the following summer. SFSP provides nutritious meals to children and teens, age 18 and younger, during the summer months when school is not in session. Families can find their nearest summer meals site by calling (800) 359-2163, texting “FoodIL” to 877-877, or visiting http://summerfeedingillinois.org/.  Those interested in becoming SFSP sponsors should contact ISBE at (800) 545-7892. Participation in one training session is required to become a new SFSP sponsor. Registration is available at http://webprod1.isbe.net/cnscalendar/asp/eventlist.asp. The new sponsor training workshops are scheduled 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the following dates and locations:

  • April 11 in Schaumburg
  • April 25 in Peoria
  • May 16 in Springfield
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