What This Means for You
- Nonprofit and public organizations must apply by May 1, 2026, to serve free summer meals to children in low-income areas.
- Sponsors are reimbursed for meals provided in communities where at least 50 percent of children qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
- Rural areas may qualify this year to offer grab-and-go or delivered meals instead of requiring children to eat onsite.
HARRISBURG, PA — Children in low-income Pennsylvania communities could receive free meals this summer if more local organizations step forward to participate in the state’s Summer Food Service Program.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is seeking new sponsors for the federally funded program, with applications due by May 1, 2026.
Last summer, nearly 300 organizations operated approximately 2,100 meal sites across the Commonwealth. State officials say additional sponsors are needed — particularly in rural areas — to reach more children during the months when school is not in session.
How the Program Works
The Summer Food Service Program, established in 1976, provides free meals to children in economically disadvantaged areas. Eligible communities are those where at least 50 percent of children qualify for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program, the federal school meal program that offers discounted or free lunches to low-income students.
Participating organizations are reimbursed by the federal government for meals served.
Most sponsors may provide up to two meals per day — breakfast and lunch or lunch and a snack. Programs serving primarily migrant children may be reimbursed for up to three meals daily. Residential summer camps may serve three meals per day but are reimbursed only for meals served to children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
Beginning this summer, organizations serving rural communities may be approved to offer non-congregate meals. Non-congregate service allows meals to be picked up or delivered, rather than requiring children to eat onsite.
Who Can Apply
Eligible sponsors must be year-round nonprofit entities. These include schools, municipal and county governments, libraries, churches, fire and police departments, residential summer camps, and national youth sports organizations.
Approved sponsors are responsible for managing meal sites and ensuring meals are distributed according to federal guidelines.
Adults over 18 who have physical or mental disabilities and participate in public or nonprofit programs for individuals with disabilities are also eligible to receive meals at approved sites.
Application and Contact Information
Organizations interested in becoming sponsors or hosting meal sites can apply through the Department of Education’s website at www.education.pa.gov/sfsp.
Questions may be directed to 800-331-0129 or by email to RA-SFSP@pa.gov.
Under federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations, the program is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex — including gender identity and sexual orientation — disability, age, or prior civil rights activity. Information about filing discrimination complaints is available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
State officials said expanding participation in the program is intended to reduce food insecurity during the summer months, when children do not have access to school-based meals.
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