Indiana Department of Education Encourages Participation in Summer Meals Program

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) encourages schools and qualified community organizations to participate in the 2022 Summer Food Service Program.

The Summer Food Service Program reimburses local sponsors that serve healthy free meals and snacks to children 18 years old and younger. Sponsorship is open to public and private nonprofit groups, including local governments, summer camps, religious organizations and recreation centers. Organizations may also consider partnering with an existing sponsor, such as a school corporation, to serve students in areas where children may lack good nutrition during the summer months.

In 2021, more than 280 Indiana sponsors served nearly 22 million meals during the summer months. In addition to providing free meal service in a local community, many sponsors also offer educational or physical activities for students. 

Created in 1968, the Summer Food Service Program is funded and operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is administered by the states. Participating organizations must adhere to all USDA regulations. The program is funded through a reimbursement based on the number of meals served to eligible participants. Any student age 18 or under is eligible to receive meals through the Summer Food Service Program by visiting a meal site.

The application deadline for new sponsors is April 15, 2022. IDOE will host multiple required webinars for new and returning sponsors. More information is available here.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: 

mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture 
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW 
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 
fax: (202) 690-7442; or 
email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.