Grants to Massachusetts new and current summer food programs to establish new sites serving low-income populations. Funding is intended to serve more children, increase the total meals served, extend the length of the summer food service program, and create new sites. The goal is to increase program availability to participants not currently receiving program services. Applicants proposing sites serving a significant low-income population shall receive priority consideration.
Priority will be given to districts and schools in chronically underperforming status. Priorities are to:
Increase the number of participants by increasing Average Daily Participation (ADP):
Involve a range of community members (city government, parks and recreation departments, community agencies, school constituents, students, teachers, administrators, food service staff, and families);
Plan to expand activities at the food service site;
Extend the length of the SFSP for the full summer vacation;
Increase the number of days the program is operational; and
Add additional meal services;
Support new sites that will serve a low-income population not previously served in the SFSP;
Support programs that serve the highest number of eligible children;
Increase access to healthy meals in rural communities;
Implement Farm to Summer initiatives at sites by utilizing fresh local produce and incorporating agricultural activities;
Provide nutritious meals to children with increased offerings of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the meal service;
Provide training to site supervisors;
Support School Food Authorities (SFAs) that offer school breakfast and after-school snack programs during the academic year (high priority); and
Equip sites with resources, materials, and supplies for program sustainability.
Funds may be used for, but are not limited to:
Outreach expenses
hiring an outreach intern
marketing or publicizing the availability of SFSP
activities/disposables to promote participation in SFSP
Training for site supervisors
Purchase of equipment necessary for safe food handling, operational supplies, and incentives
The maximum funding request is based on the highest total number of first meals served during the selected month in Summer 2022. New SFSP sponsors must make a reasonable estimate of the number of meals to be served monthly. For funding maximums see the Full Grant Text RFP link.
Term of Contract
All goods, services, and contractual duties must be delivered by June 30, 2023.
