Sponsors sought throughout state to help feed low-income keiki during summer break

Sponsors are sought to help provide keiki age 18 years old and younger in low-income communities throughout Hawaiʻi with free meals during summer break through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program.

Nutritious meals help children learn, play and grow during the summer when schools are not in session.

Meals were served at 120 locations throughout the state last summer, including at public charter schools, nonprofit organizations, preschools, churches, parks and housing facilities. The Hawaiʻi Department of Education, through its Seamless Summer Option, also served free meals at 73 schools and alternative learning programs on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Maui and the Big Island.

Organizations or other agencies that sponsor the free meals are reimbursed for serving healthy meals and snacks at approved sites.

Sponsors also are encouraged to provide educational or recreational activities.

The state Education Department’s Hawaiʻi Child Nutrition Programs will conduct online workshops for sponsors in March.

Personnel responsible for administering the summer meal program will be required to attend.

Contact Shaynee Moreno with the Hawaiʻi Child Nutrition Programs at 808-587-3600 or via email at Shaynee.Moreno@k12.hi.us for additional information.