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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 30, 2021
For More Information Contact:

JP O'Hare

(518) 474-1201

Press@nysed.gov

www.nysed.gov

 

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State Education Department Launches 2021 Summer Food Service Program

Program Available to New York Children at More Than 3,000 Sites Statewide

Summer Food Service Program Serves 400,000 Free Meals Daily

USDA Online Map Tool Shows Locations Where Meals Are Served

The 2021 Summer Food Service Program, which provides free meals to approximately 400,000 children, kicks off in July at over 3,000 sites statewide, State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa today announced. An interactive USDA online map helps families find a service site by address, city or zip code.

“Even though the school year has come to an end, we continue to assist students and families that rely on their school community for nutritious meals,” said Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. “Thanks to the work of our Summer Food Service Program partners across the state, thousands of New York children will have access to healthy food options throughout the summer months.”

“While summer is a time for fun and excitement for many children, this may not be the case for those that experience food insecurity,” said Commissioner Rosa.  “Throughout the pandemic our schools worked tirelessly to ensure students received nutritious meals. Now, our Summer Food Service Program vendors are able to fill the gap and ensure that all students have access to free, healthy meals during the summer months.”

About the Summer Food Service Program:

  • Statewide, there are more than 400 organizations serving nutritious meals every day.
  • There are over 3,000 SFSP feeding sites throughout the state.
  • It is anticipated more than 20 million nutritious meals 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.