The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is looking for community sponsors to run summer food programs to prevent more than 460,000 children in Michigan from going hungry when school lunchrooms close for the summer.

The Summer Food Service Program could fill the summer hunger gap for thousands of children if more sponsors are signed up to run the food program.  Last year, out of the over 460,000 low-income Michigan children who were eligible, only around 63,000 (14 percent) were able to eat free meals or snacks at approved summer food program sites in their neighborhoods.

In stressing the importance of sponsoring these crucial summer food programs for children, State Board of Education President Kathleen N. Straus said:  “Investing early and responding to the needs of our children in programs like the Summer Food Service Program will help keep them on track to be stronger, smarter, and more successful citizens for Michigan.”

Research shows a direct relationship between good nutrition and learning. The Summer Food Service Program is a key building block in Michigan communities to develop healthy, happy kids who are ready to learn.

“The need is there and the food is available,” Straus said. “We just need more locations around the state to serve the children.”

To sponsor the program this summer, organizations need to contact MDE by March 17, 2008 .  Applications and sponsor information may be obtained from MDE’s Office of Grants Coordination and School Support Services, Summer Food Service Program, 608 W. Allegan Street, PO Box 30008 , Lansing , Michigan   48909 , (517) 373-3347; or on the MDE Website at: www.michigan.gov/sfsp .

The Summer Food Service Program serves nutritious meals to children up to age 18 living in low-income areas (where 50 percent or more of the students qualify for free or reduced price school meals).  The program can operate in schools, public housing centers, playgrounds, camps, parks, and faith-based facilities.

Sponsors can be public or nonprofit private schools or public school districts; public or private nonprofit residential summer camps; local, county or state government agencies; colleges or universities participating in the National Youth Sports Program; or private nonprofit organizations.

Sponsors receive federal payments for both the meals served to children and the administrative costs of serving the meals.  New sponsors will receive free training and technical assistance from the Michigan Department of Education.

The Summer Food Service Program, administered by MDE through funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is available to children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.