Summer Meal Program Expansion Grant

Applications for the new Summer Meal Program Expansion Grant program are now open through May 7!

Program Overview:
The Iowa Department of Education has received $900,000 to support the enhancement and expansion of summer meal programs in currently underserved and eligible areas.

Program Details:

Funding Source: $900,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Purpose: Enhance and expand summer meal programs in underserved areas.
Target Audience: Iowa children ages 18 and under.
Programs Supported: Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO).
Grant Opportunity: Provides additional revenue source for summer meal programs beyond federal meal reimbursement.
Allowable Expenses: Enhancing meal quality, incorporating locally grown foods, updating program equipment, conducting program outreach, and operational/administrative personnel expenses not fully covered through meal reimbursement.
Eligible Sites for Expansion:
Possible new meal site locations include:

Schools
Community buildings
Libraries
Apartment complexes
Parks
Swimming pools
Splash pads
Churches
Other public sites where children gather
Non-Congregate Distribution:
Non-congregate distribution may be an option for State agency approved sponsors in rural areas unserved by a congregate meal service.

Application Deadline: May 7

Don't miss this opportunity to expand summer meal programs and ensure Iowa children have access to healthy meals during the summer break! Apply now!