Florida Summer Food Service
The Florida Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides reimbursement for free, nutritious meals and snacks served to Florida children 18 and younger. These meals help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow ...
What is Florida Summer Food Service?
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is federally funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is state-administered in Florida by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness (FNW).
The intent of the SFSP is to bridge the gap in nutrition during the summer months by serving nutritious meals to children 18 years and younger while school is not in session.
Children need healthy food all year long in order to grow and learn. During the school year, many children receive free and reduced-price meals through the School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs. When school lets out for the summer, many of these children are at risk of hunger or poor nutrition. The SFSP is designed to ensure that children have access to the nutritious meals they need to grow, learn and play during the summer months and to help ensure their bodies and minds are healthy and strong for the upcoming school year.
The Summer Food Service Program primarily operates during the summer months, May to September, when schools in most areas are closed; it may also provide meals during vacation breaks where schools are operated on a year-round continuous school calendar.
Program Requirements
What are the requirements for my child to receive a meal? Do I have to fill out an application form?
At almost all sites, there is no application necessary and any child 18 or younger can simply come during meal times to receive a meal. However, we do suggest that you give them a call first to let the site know that your child may be coming during meal time. Some sites ask that an adult or responsible teen accompany children during the meal time because they don't have staff to handle extra children that may not be a part of their regular activity program.
Exception: A few sites (like overnight camps and sites in higher income areas) do require that parents fill out a form about family income in order for children to receive meals.
There is no cost for meals. USDA requires that meals be served at no charge to the children. However, the site may have a fee set for the activity program that they provide.
In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
| Household Size* | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,459 |
| 2 | $30,451 |
| 3 | $38,443 |
| 4 | $46,435 |
| 5 | $54,427 |
| 6 | $62,419 |
| 7 | $70,411 |
| 8 | $78,403 |
Application Details
What is the application process for Florida Summer Food Service?
- WHAT? Free food and fun all summer long
- WHO? Kids and teens 18 and under
- WHERE? At a loaction near you!
Find a location near you at the USDA Summer Food Service Program website
Contact Info
1-800-504-6609