State Seeking New Sponsors For Summer Food Service Program

This week, the Missouri Department of Health and Seniors opened applications for nonprofits interested in funding the Winter Nutrition program. From March 1 to May 15, eligible organizations can apply for a grant on the DHSS website. Through a network of charitable community sponsors, SFSP is currently providing meals to Missouri children who may otherwise go without food during the summer months. .

Thousands of children across the state depend on free or reduced school meals as their main source of nutrition. Every year these kids have to think about where they can eat the next time summer school is over. Missouri DHSS hopes to help more of these children by partnering with local sponsors for the summer meal program.

To qualify as an SFSP sponsor, an organization must be a non-profit in an area where at least half of the children qualify for free or reduced price school meals. In the Greater Springfield area, local sponsor Ozarks Regional YMCA is gearing up for another busy summer season. Megan Authersky, vice president of youth development, said the summer meal program is part of the services offered.

“For extracurricular activities, we provide snacks and/or meals to the students we serve. And at other summer day camp locations, we provide breakfast, lunch and snacks for all participants. But they are considered open spaces, which means that any member of the community under the age of 18 can get free food," Ottersky said.

Child food insecurity is a year-round national problem. According to Feeding America, 19,070 children in Missouri are starving, or one in seven. In rural areas like the Ozarks, it can be harder for families to find stable, affordable food. For this reason, relying on public programs may be more beneficial.

By 2022, we have stocked over 135,000 meals and snacks. “You know, YMCA is a longtime partner and we typically serve about 1,200 children a year,” Authersky said.

As the state seeks to expand its footprint with new sponsors of the Summer Meal Program, existing partners have yet to prepare for yet another summer service in their communities. This year, Authersky and the Ozarks Regional YMCA team are ready to take on whatever the season brings.

“I would not be surprised if we grew only in food and in general because of inflation. I wouldn't be surprised if our numbers increase. And, of course, we hope they will," Authersky said. “We are here to feed the children and make sure they are safe and sound.”

2022 Summer Catering Program (SFSP) Mandatory Training