OKDHS Supports Summer Food Service Program for Children

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- During the school year, children have access to at least one good meal a day. But when summer comes, some of those kids may not get the nutrition they need. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) is supporting the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), helping making sure no child goes hungry when school is out.

“We have a long-standing commitment to helping those in need,” said OKDHS Director Ed Lake. “Our Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps put food on the table for hungry families all year long. Now we are pleased to offer our assistance in getting the word out about the Summer Food Service Program. Our community partners will be feeding Oklahoma’s hungry children this summer, making sure their minds and bodies are strong and ready for school next fall.”

The USDA’s summer meals programs operate through partnerships between USDA, state agencies, and local organizations.  Local sponsors, such as schools, local government agencies including the Oklahoma State Department of Education, faith-based and nonprofit community organizations, and residential and non-residential camps provide free meals to eligible low-income children during the summer months. Last year, USDA’s partners served 144 million summer meals at 38,800 sites throughout the country, feeding about 2.3 million kids on a typical summer day.

For more information on becoming a SFSP sponsor or site, go to http://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/. To find a local site, phone 1-866-Hungry or 1-877-8-Hambre.

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