SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) was established to ensure that children in low-income areas could continue to receive freshly nutritious meals during the summer when schools are closed. The program provides free lunches to children 18 years old and younger.

The program is administered nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and within Massachusetts by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE). The City’s Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) sponsors the Program in Cambridge through a contract with ESE. DHSP is responsible for implementing the SFSP in accordance with Federal regulations. In return, we receive Federal reimbursement from ESE to cover administrative and operating costs of preparing and serving free meals meeting SFSP requirements to eligible children.

For the last couple of years DHSP has been contracting with Sidekim Foods Co., a local company located in Lynn, MA, to prepare and deliver freshly made breakfast, lunch and snacks to meal sites located through out Cambridge. Meal sites are located at many of the Cambridge Schools and Parks. There are approximately 26 sites, including 5 parks (open sites).

For information on how to become a serving site or for a list of sites and times, interested parties should call SFSP at 617-349-6247 in mid-June.