DPI seeks Summer Food Service Program sponsors

MADISON — Wisconsin’s Summer Food Service Program is seeking sponsors to provide meals to economically disadvantaged children during the 2018 summer break from school.

Sponsors can be

• Public or private nonprofit school food authorities;
• Public or private nonprofit summer camps;
• Units of local, municipal, county, tribal, or state governments;
• Public or private colleges or universities that are currently participating in the National Youth Sports and Precollege Programs; and
• Private nonprofit organizations (special considerations and restrictions apply).

Last year, Wisconsin’s 234 Summer Food Service Program sponsors provided 2.87 million free meals to children from low‑income families during the summer months. Sponsors operated 905 sites statewide in 2017.

“Our goal is to continue steady program growth so all disadvantaged youth can get nutritious meals when school isn’t in session,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “I commend the public and private schools and nonprofit organizations that run nutrition sites through the Summer Food Service Program for providing food assistance to families in need in their communities during the summer.”

The most common sponsor for the Summer Food Service Program has been local school districts that combine a meal program with their summer school sessions. Through partnerships and creative collaboration, some districts have been able to work with other organizations to extend the Summer Food Service Program beyond summer school to meet the needs of more children.

All sponsors for the 2018 program year must complete the online Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) application. Additionally, all potential sponsors must select at least one training opportunity listed on the department’s SFSP Training page by Feb. 16. Options include pop-up sessions, an online course, or group session. New sponsors should select the Full Day Group Training that is offered April 3 in Madison.

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 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 U.S. mail, fax or e-mail to:

The DPI has participated in the Summer Food Service Program since 1975 and is an equal opportunity provider. Additional information about the program is available from Amy Kolano, (608) 266-7124, the DPI website, or the USDA.

NOTE: The video, Future-Building with Food and Fun, makes the case for becoming a Summer Food Service Program sponsor or expanding an existing program.