NEWS RELEASE

Release Date: December 10, 2009

Contact: Mary Clayborne, Office of Child Nutrition, 601.354.7014
Pete Smith Director of Communications, 601-359-1336

Sponsors sought for summer food program

Jackson, Miss. - The Mississippi Department of Education is seeking sponsors to operate the 2010 Summer Food Service Program in counties across the state. This program is administered by the Office of Healthy Schools through the Office of Child Nutrition.

The Summer Food Service Program provides nutritious meals to children without regard to race, color, national origin, age (within statutory limits), sex or disability during summer school vacation periods. In most areas, the program operates from June through August. Meals and snacks are served to children in such places as schools, playgrounds, and parks.

Public or private nonprofit schools; units of local, municipal, county or state government and public or private nonprofit organizations may qualify as sponsors of the Summer Food Service Program. Residential summer camps whose enrollment includes needy children may also act as program sponsors. Qualified sponsors will receive the maximum “meals time rates” for operating and administrative reimbursements. To be eligible, sponsors must: (1) show they are financially and administratively capable of operating the program; (2) provide continuing service to the community; and (3) serve meals on a regular schedule to children or provide meals as part of an organized program for enrolled children at camps.

Training for new sponsors will take place in Jackson in March 24-25, 2010. Potential sponsors should immediately contact our office. They may contact Mary Clayborne Policy Analyst Division of Technical Assistance, State Department of Education Office of Child Nutrition, P.O. Box 771 Jackson, MS 39205; phone (601) 354-7014 or 354-6982; e-mail mclayborne@mde.k12.ms.us.

In the operation of child nutrition programs, there is no discrimination regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.