Today , is the start of Summer Food Service Program Week. The purpose of this special week is to promote access to healthy meals when schools close for the summer. During the June 11-15 awareness campaign, USDA and its partners will redouble efforts to emphasize the important nutrition benefits offered through the federal Summer Food Service Program and other healthy meal options available for low-income young people across the nation.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack points out that the Obama administration is focused on ending childhood hunger and tackling the summer hunger problem is central to that commitment.  Thanks to the strong support of our partners from state agencies, schools, advocacy groups and faith- and community-based organizations, access to healthy meals during summer is a reality for millions of children in need.

Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Kevin Concannon says – the nutrition gap low-income children face when school is out of session underscores the need and importance for USDA’s summer meal opportunities. We anticipate bolstering this investment by working to increase the number of sites where disadvantaged children can receive a meal in a constructive, safe environment.