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NEWS RELEASE
June 17, 2021
Media Contact: Marc Siegel
Summer Meals Continue to Bridge the Gap
Summer Food Service Program offers nutritious meals to combat childhood hunger
(Salem, Ore.) - The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is reminding families that several hundred schools and nonprofit organizations throughout the state are providing meals through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) for all kids ages 1-18. A complete listing of open sites is available on the ODE website.
When schools let out for the summer, thousands of Oregon children lose access to breakfast, lunch and afterschool meals they receive during the regular school year. Since schools first closed their doors in March 2020 due to COVID-19, the Summer Food Service Program helped to fill the gap by providing free, nutritious meals to children and teens. The Summer Food Service Program will continue to provide nutritious meals over the summer months at participating summer sites including many schools, parks and non-profit organizations.
Though recent events have created an increase in participation in the Summer Food Service Program; it is still underutilized with many families unaware of the free meals in their communities. Nationally, only one out of six children who receive free or reduced price meals during the school year continue to receive meals during the summer months. Increasing awareness of and access to these programs can have a significant impact on combating childhood food insecurity.
Find Meal Sites
There are more than 550 summer meal sites in Oregon alone. Families can look up meal locations in their area by calling 2-1-1, or texting “Food” or “Comida” to 877-877, or visiting Summer Food Oregon. Meals are available to any child 18 and under without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
We invite community partners, school districts, and media partners to help spread the word about the free summer meals to families in your area. A sample Tweet and Facebook post are provided below for those interested in helping to spread the word and reduce child hunger this summer.
Sample Tweets
- #SFSP can fill bellies and minds! For more info visit Summer Food Oregon #SummerMealsOR #SummerFoodRocks
- Find #FoodFriendsandFun! To find a #SFSP meal site by you visit Summer Food Oregon! #SummerMealsOR #SummerFoodRocks
Sample Facebook Post
Children need good nutrition all year long. When school is out during the summer months, many children no longer have access to even one nutritious meal each day. The Summer Food Service Program helps to fill the gap. To find a site, call 2-1-1, text “Food” or “Comida” to 877-877, or visit Summer Food Oregon.
If you have questions, please contact ODE Child Nutrition Programs - Community Nutrition, at (503) 947-5894 or ode.communitynutrition@ode.state.or.us.
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In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
- Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
- Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
- Email: intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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