State Education Department Announces 2020 Summer Food Service Program

The 2020 Summer Food Service Program, which provides free meals to approximately 400,000 students, kicks off in July at nearly 3,000 sites statewide, Interim State Education Commissioner Shannon Tahoe today announced. An interactive USDA online map helps families find a service site by address, city or zip code.

“Especially during this time of extreme uncertainty, no child should wonder where their next meal is coming from and thanks to the Summer Food Service Program, we can ensure that children who might otherwise go hungry during summer break have access to nutritious meals,” Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa said. “Food service workers have truly been on the front lines during this difficult time. These programs continue to play a critical role during the COVID-19 emergency, providing consistent, essential services to children and their families.”

“The State Education Department has worked with our partners across the state throughout the COVID-19 emergency to ensure that all students have access to consistent, healthy meals throughout the school shutdown,” Interim Commissioner Tahoe said. “Thanks to our work with the USDA, we are able to also fill the gap in the summer months and provide kids with much-needed, nutritious meals and a sense of security for families and communities.”

About the Summer Food Service Program:

• Statewide, there are more than 400 organizations serving nutritious meals every day.
• There are approximately 3,000 SFSP feeding sites throughout the State.
• It is anticipated more than 20 million nutritious meals total will be served to New York children this summer.

The Summer Food Service Program was established to ensure that low-income children, 18 and younger, continue to receive nutritious meals when schools are not in session. USDA Food and Nutrition Service administers the Summer Food Service Program at the national level and the New York State Education Department administers it at the state level.

The majority of New York sponsors begin operating Summer Food Service Programs in July. There are a number of tools available to help find the site nearest you:

• USDA Online Map
• Text: Text “Food or “Comida” to 877-877
• Call:
• USDA National Hunger Hotline 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-3-HAMBRE
• 211 in New York State
• 311 in New York City

For more information on NYSED administration of the Summer Food Service Program, visit our website.