Summer Food Service Program

Low-income children who receive state-subsidized breakfasts and lunches at school are vulnerable to hunger when school is in recess during the summer. Family food dollars are stretched even further. For many parents, providing a nutritious lunch every day for three months is not possible.

In 1999, the Northern Illinois Food Bank (NIFB) began a summer lunch program serving 40 children a day. In 2003, NIFB partnered with the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and provided 44,121 lunches to 20 summer youth programs. In the summer of 2008, NIFB provided 81,887 lunches to an average of 2,527 children each day. Daily deliveries were made to 45 youth programs in six counties.

Who can participate?
NIFB sponsors summer programs that serve low-income children. NIFB first looks at the percentage of students enrolled in free and reduced price meals at the nearest elementary school. If less than 50% of the students from the school receive subsidized meals, NIFB will request area income census data from ISBE. If neither of these methods qualifies the youth program, program staff must collect, maintain and submit parent income applications from all enrolled students, which must correspond to monthly
attendance records.

What kinds of food do children receive?
All lunches are cold and follow United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) meal pattern requirements. Each lunch will include 8 oz. of milk, 2 oz. of a meat/meat alternative, 2 servings (¾ cup) of juice, fruit or vegetable, and one serving of grain/ bread. A sample day from the menu might look like this:

Do programs have to pay for the lunches?
Qualifying summer sites participate free of charge. The USDA, private and corporate donations, and grants fund this program.

How will the lunches get to sites?
Lunches will be delivered directly to sites on a daily basis by either a contracted vendor or an NIFB driver. 

What is required from summer youth programs?
Interested programs must complete an enrollment application. NIFB will conduct a pre-operational visit to ensure that the summer facility is capable of participating in the lunch program. All key staff members must attend a training session provided by NIFB.

Returning sites must complete a yearly reenrollment application, and key staff must attend a returning staff training session.

During the summer, NIFB stresses the importance of keeping lunches refrigerated at all times. NIFB provides local health departments with a list of all operating summer programs in their county. Health department officials conduct unannounced inspections throughout the summer to ensure that food is safely stored and served.

Program staff must make NIFB aware of any closed days and/or field trip days. Lunches must maintain proper temperatures at all times during field trips. NIFB may provide coolers and ice blankets if available.
 

How can I help?

NIFB relies on the generosity and talent of its of volunteers and donors.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Summer Food Service Program, please check out available positions in your area by clicking here. NIFB is also happy to mail a brochure about volunteer opportunities. Please call (630) 443-6910 or email hunger@northernilfoodbank.org ATTN: Volunteer Coordinator.

If you would like to donate to the Summer Food Service Programs please click here.

Further Information

For more information call (630) 443-6910 or email hunger@northernilfoodbank.org, ATTN: Youth Nutrition Coordinator or visit the Youth Nutrition Message Board by clicking here.

For information on the Illinois State Board of Education’s Child Nutrition Programs, visit www.isbe.net/nutrition or call (800) 545-7892.

In accordance with Federal law and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, you must write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 800.795.3272 (voice) or 202.720.6382 (TTY).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.