To provide nutritious meals to children 18 years of age or younger when school is not in session for 15 continuous school days.

Program Structure

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service funds the program nationally. The Ca Department of Education’s Nutrition Services Division administers the program.

As a Migrant organization we are a local sponsor and are able to operate breakfast, lunch and sometimes snack and dinner programs during summer at school sites and community colleges where there are a predominate number of migrant students enrolled.

Sponsors receive reimbursement for operating and administrative expenses. For operating expenses, the sponsor is reimbursed the lesser of two: actual cost or meals times the operating rates. For administrative expenses, the sponsor is reimbursed the lesser of three: actual cost, meals times rate or the sponsor’s estimated budget.

The program is wonderful in that it allows all children to eat for free. Families do not have to complete an application to qualify for free meals. In California needy children are eligible to receive at least one nutritious meal daily while attending school. When school is out, children often miss this nutritious meal. A well balanced diet is important to a child’s growth and development. Children who do not receive proper nutrition are likely to be absent from school due to illness; they also do not concentrate or perform well in school.

Participation

Children 18 years of age or younger can participate. We operate primarily  “open” sites allowing “walk-ins” to participate. (Generally walk-ins consist of younger siblings of children attending summer school). We also operate closed enrolled sites at   community colleges where we have migrant students enrolled.

Migrant Education sponsors on average 70 sites each summer and serves an average of 280,000 children.

For More Information

Contact:
Rita Kesler - SFSP Coordinator
5510 Skylane Blvd., Suite 100,  Santa Rosa, CA  95403-1029
Phone: (707) 526-1272 ext 21
Fax: (707) 526-9724
Email: rkesler@bcoe.org