Providing meals for low-income children in summertime

What is the Summer Food Service Program?
The Summer Food Service Program is essential to bridging the hunger gap that occurs between the school year's end in May and its beginning in September. In communities with high poverty levels, summer feeding programs are a vital source of nutrition for children who may not have enough food at home. This federal program provides free meals to all children (18 years and younger) at approved sites in low-income neighborhoods. In the summer of 2006, a record 580,696 meals were served at Milwaukee County schools, parks and community centers.

To find out where your child can receive free summer meals please dial 2-1-1 or (414) 773-0211 from cell phones.

►  For more information on summer meals, download our Summer Meals Fact Sheet.
►  Link to an interactive online map of summer 2006 meal sites in Milwaukee

Hunger Task Force Summer Food Service Goals:

• Increase program awareness and participation through increased marketing and outreach efforts.
• Locate programs in neighborhoods of highest need.
• Better align summer food service and recreational programming.
• Add three meals a day to a number of sites
• Continue to advocate for public policy approaches that expand program eligibility and simplify administration for providers
• Secure adequate funding to meet the needs of low-income children and summer meal providers.

Summer Food Links:

• USDA: Summer Food
• Food Research and Action Center
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.