Know where your children can get a healthy meal over summer break

Over 500 sites throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington will offer free meals this summer to children in need. Meal sites are hosted at a variety of locations, including parks, schools and faith-based organizations. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) fills the gap in high-need geographical areas so that children who were receiving free or reduced lunches at school can stay nourished during summer break. The program serves all children ages 1 to 18. There are many meal sites in Oregon and in Southwest Washington. Families can find a site that is convenient for them by going to the meal locator in each state. Families are urged to check the locator regularly, since new meal sites are being added.

Some meal sites will provide breakfast and snacks in addition to lunch. Depending on the site, parents can purchase meal tickets for themselves or get free meals if they volunteer for the program. Many sites offer fun activities for children, taking the strain off parents trying to find ways to keep their children occupied in healthy ways.

Who provides the food?

Funding for the SFSP comes from the United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA program mandate that states must serve meals in low-income communities where at least 50 percent of children are eligible for free and reduced-price school meals. There is no requirement to document families’ income, address or citizenship status.

Help get the word out about food assistance

The connection between a child receiving free or reduced-price lunches during the school year and receiving meals through the SFSP is by no means seamless. Many low-income families aren’t aware that the program exists. If you are a service provider or educator, or if you come into contact with any underserved families, please spread the word about the hundreds of locations around Oregon and Southwest Washington where a child – or a caregiver - who might otherwise go hungry can get a free meal.

Check out the 2011 [Oregon] Childhood Hunger Impact Report

The background work and the report itself, done by our partner agency Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, is a tribute to the hard work the organization has put in to expand the summer food program in a one-year window of time. Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon offers a convincing story of how to help Oregon families in need, using extensive outreach and marketing efforts to grantees and consumers alike, outstanding strategic planning and spot-on accountability. Just check out the testimonials from families who benefitted from last summer's program.