In collaboration with the USDA, The John Bridges Community Center, and The Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, children in Apopka will be provided lunch and an afternoon snack throughout the summer through The Summer Food Program.
From The Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children in our participating Clubs this summer free of charge. Meals will be provided to youth enrolled in The Boys & Girls Club Summer Programs at all Boys and Girls Club sites in Central Florida.
In Apopka, the B&GC is at The John Bridges Community Center at 445 West 13th Street. Lunch is served 12-1pm. The afternoon snack is 4-5pm.
From the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA):
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally funded, state-administered program. The SFSP reimburses providers who serve healthy meals to children and teens in low-income areas at no charge primarily during the summer months when school is not in session.
The SFSP serves children and teens age 18 and younger.
During the school year, many children receive free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch through the School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs. When school lets out many of these children are at risk of hunger. Hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process.
Lack of nutrition during the summer months may set up a cycle for poor performance once school begins again and make children more prone to illness and other health issues. The SFSP is designed to fill that nutrition gap and make sure children get the nutritious meals they need.
There are three main entities involved: State agencies, sponsors, and sites.
State agencies administer the program and communicate with USDA.
Sponsors run the program and communicate with the State agency. Schools, local government agencies, camps, faith- based and other non-profit community organizations that have the ability to manage a food service program may be SFSP sponsors.
Sites are places in the community where children receive meals in a safe and supervised environment. Sites may be located in a variety of settings, including schools, parks, community centers, churches, and migrant centers. Sites work directly with sponsors.