DOE looking for food program sponsors

The Idaho Department of Education is looking for Shoshone County-based sponsors to help them provide healthy, balanced meals to Idaho children through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The SFSP provides free meals and snacks to children 1 -18 years of age by operating sites located in low-income areas during the summer months. 

When schools are closed during summer months, the challenge of reaching children in need of support grows. SFSP sponsors help bridge the summer nutrition gap by providing nutritious meals. They are reimbursed for each qualifying breakfast, lunch, snack and/or supper served at approved sites. 

For the 2025 program, sponsors may be, but are not limited to: 

- Public or private nonprofit schools; 

- public or private nonprofit residential camps; 

- local, municipal, county, tribal or state governments; 

- public or private nonprofit colleges or universities that participate in the National Youth Sports Program; and 

- Upward Bound programs, religious organizations, libraries, and nonprofit organizations. 

Sponsors are sought statewide, especially in rural areas where coverage gaps exist. 

Sponsors in rural areas have the option to participate in non-congregate meal services, allowing for meals to be picked up and consumed off-site. Sponsor applications are due May 2, and trainings must also be completed prior to receiving approval to operate the SFSP. 

For more information on becoming an SFSP sponsor or feeding site, please call 208-332-6828 or visit https://www.sde.idaho.gov/cnp/sfsp/.