The Agency of Education announced the availability of summer meal sites providing meals to all children, 18 and under, through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This program ensures that children across the state have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer. Families are encouraged to access these meals to help support children’s growth, health, and academic success.
In summer 2024, Vermont served over 1 million meals at almost 300 sites across the state. Meals are served at a wide range of locations, such as schools, parks, housing complexes, and libraries. Families can find information on open meal sites by calling 2-1-1, the United Way-run resource hotline, or through the USDA Meals For Kids Site Finder. Hunger Free Vermont also maintains site lists by county on their website. All sites listed are open to all children, 18 and under. Information is updated weekly throughout the summer.
Some sites may provide grab-and-go meals or multi-day meal kits that can be consumed off-site. These sites may also allow parents/guardians to pick up meals on behalf of children without them present.
“Every child deserves the fuel they need to play, grow, and thrive during the summer months,” said Vermont Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders. “This program helps ensure all kids have access to the nutritious food they need to stay healthy and return to school ready to learn. We’re committed to ensuring families know about this resource and can access it in their communities.”
In addition to children 18 and under, persons over 18 years of age who are determined by a state educational agency or a local public educational agency to be mentally or physically disabled and who participate in a public or nonprofit private school program established for the mentally or physically disabled are also eligible to receive summer meals. Meals are available without regard to race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age, or disability.
Many families will also be receiving Summer EBT benefits this summer. Families are welcome to participate in summer meals even if they also receive Summer EBT. These two summer nutrition programs work together to make sure children have access to nutritious food over the summer months.
