Sponsors in South Georgia Needed to Serve Meals to Children in Summer 2019

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Summer Food Service Program reimburses eligible organizations for providing free meals to children in low-income areas

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is looking for eligible organizations to sponsor the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in 2019. SFSP, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides access to healthy meals to children during the summer months when school is not in session. DECAL administers the SFSP in Georgia.

DECAL is focusing on boosting the number of sponsors participating in the program, particularly in South Georgia, to ensure that children across the state have access to summer meals. Representatives from DECAL are available to meet with community organizations to provide information and answer questions about becoming a sponsor.

The SFSP reimburses nonprofit, governmental, and other eligible organizations for providing free meals to children in low-income areas during the summer months. The following entities can qualify as sponsors:

  • public or private nonprofit schools;
  • universities, colleges, or camps;
  • units of local and state government; and
  • private nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations considered tax exempt by the IRS.

Sponsors can operate the program and feed children at schools, churches, recreation centers, community, migrant centers, and other areas where children congregate. Mobile meal sites also are an option for sponsors—particularly in rural areas of the state.

“The Summer Food Service Program is critically important in combating childhood hunger during the summer,” said Sonja Adams, director of Provider Services for DECAL’s Nutrition Division. “Sponsoring organizations ensure that children across the state have access to nutritious and well-balanced meals during the summer months when school is not in session.”

Sponsors receive training and support relating to the application process, setting up and operating a successful SFSP, and nutrition education. They also receive technical assistance while the program is operating.

For more information about the SFSP, contact Cindy Kicklighter, Marketing & Outreach manager, at Cindy.Kicklighter@decal.ga.gov or at 404-656-3221.

For more information on becoming an SFSP sponsor, visit Becoming a Sponsor or contact the SFSP team toll free at 1-855-550-SFSP (x7377) or via e-mail at SFSP@decal.ga.gov.

In accordance with federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Program information also may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) online at ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA:

By mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

Fax: (202) 690-7442; or

Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Contact:

Reg Griffin
DECAL Communications Director
404-656-0239
reg.griffin@decal.ga.gov

Bill Valladares
GaFCP Communications Director
404-739-0043
william@gafcp.org

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Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families. It administers the nationally recognized Georgia’s Pre-K Program, licenses child care centers and home-based child care, administers Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, federal nutrition programs, and manages Quality Rated, Georgia’s community powered child care rating system. The department also houses the Head Start State Collaboration Office, distributes federal funding to enhance the quality and availability of child care, and works collaboratively with Georgia child care resource and referral agencies and organizations throughout the state to enhance early care and education.

Georgia Family Connection Partnership (GaFCP) is a public-private partnership created by the State of Georgia and investors from the private sector to assist communities in addressing the serious challenges facing children and families. GaFCP also serves as a resource to state agencies across Georgia that work to improve the conditions of children and families. Georgia KIDS COUNT provides policymakers and citizens with current data they need to make informed decisions regarding priorities, services, and resources that impact Georgia’s children, youth, families, and communities.