Garden State Times

New Jersey's Department of Agriculture is seeking organizations to participate in its Summer Food Service Program, which aims to provide nutritious meals to children in low-income areas during the summer months. The initiative, overseen by Secretary of Agriculture Edward Wengryn, invites applications from public or private nonprofit school food authorities, government units at various levels, nonprofit organizations, residential summer camps, and national youth sports programs.

The program has been operational since 1976 as an extension of the National School Lunch Program. It targets individuals aged 18 or younger in economically disadvantaged regions and includes those over 18 who are mentally or physically disabled and enrolled in relevant programs.

Organizations that sponsor the program will manage feeding sites where meals are distributed to children. Most sponsors can receive reimbursement for up to two meals per day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. However, those serving primarily migrant children may be reimbursed for up to three meals daily. Residential camps can serve three meals a day but only receive reimbursement for meals provided to eligible children under the National School Lunch Program.

In the previous school year (2023-2024), three School Food Authorities participated in providing free lunches and breakfasts through the Seamless Summer Option. In 2024 alone, 168 sponsors served over four million nutritious meals across more than 1,200 meal sites.

Apart from this program, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture also manages several other initiatives aimed at enhancing food quality and availability for residents in need. These include School Nutrition Programs and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Additionally, The Emergency Food Assistance Program distributes federally donated commodities through six emergency feeding organizations statewide.

Interested parties must submit their applications by March 17, 2025. Further details about the Summer Food Service Program can be found on their website or by contacting them directly.