SUMMER FOOD SUPPORTS NEBRASKA FAMILIES
EMPTY CLASSROOMS SHOULD NOT MEAN EMPTY STOMACHS
When school is out for summer, many kids across Nebraska go without consistent meals. That’s why agencies and organizations across the state are working to implement summer meal programs to ensure kids get the food they need.
Summer EBT: Summer EBT will be implemented in Nebraska for summer 2024! All students enrolled in school free or reduced-price (FRP) meals will automatically receive an EBT card loaded with $120 that families can use to purchase food at local retailers during summer. Be sure your mailing address is up-to-date to ensure delivery. Students attending schools that have implemented the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) do not use FRP meal applications and must fill out an application to receive Summer EBT benefits. Watch for future information to make sure you don’t miss out.
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP): SFSP offers kids ages one to 18 free meals in high-needs locations that are supervised, safe, and welcoming. School districts, organizations, camps, agencies, or other groups can be sponsors through the SFSP and receive federal reimbursement. Meals can be served in several ways:
- Traditional: Meals are served at eligible sites and in-person attendance is required.
- Rural Non-Congregate (RNC): As of 2023, approved sponsors can now use alternate service models such as grab and go, curbside, drive thru, walk up, or delivery to serve individual or multi-day meals to children in an eligible area.
Students may participate in both Summer EBT and SFSP.
SIX BEST PRACTICES FOR SFSP AND EQUITY
Increasing equity and access at SFSP sites is not only good for kids and families, it better supports SFSP reimbursements and programs. Find six traditional meal service best practices taken from Nebraska sponsors here.
FIND A SUMMER FOOD SITE NEAR YOU
The SFSP is open to all kids ages one to 18 during the summer months. Use the tools below to find a Summer Meals site near you.
TEXT “FOOD” OR “COMIDA” to 304-304
During summer, Nebraska Appleseed’s national partner No Kid Hungry hosts a text line to help families find summer meals: text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304 to get referred to the 3 closest meal sites open near you.
USDA’S MEALS FOR KIDS SITE FINDER
The USDA’s Meals 4 Kids map shares SFSP site information from across the US during summer.
RESOURCES FOR CURRENT SFSP SPONSORS
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
- Go Big Breakfast keeps a running list of Nebraska school nutrition grant opportunities, including those for SFSP.
- Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Summer Expansion Grants (up to $15,000!): NDE accepts applications for the SFSP Expansion Grants each year in winter and spring. This is an excellent opportunity to annually expand your organization’s reach and engage more participants.
NEBRASKA SPONSOR OUTREACH TOOLKIT 2023
Nebraska Appleseed created template social media posts and images, newsletter/email blurb, and a press release Nebraska SFSP sponsors can use to drive participation at sites. This year, resources are in English and Spanish!
View materials and templates in our digital 2023 SFSP Sponsor Outreach Toolkit.
RESOURCES FOR POTENTIAL SFSP SPONSORS
Becoming an SFSP sponsor can support a school district or organization’s mission and bottom line. Find resources for potential Nebraska SFSP sponsors at NDE’s SFSP webpage. Also find answers to some common concerns on the Appleseed resource below.