Reed, Raimondo, Elorza & RIDE Team Up to Help Bridge the Summer ‘Hunger Gap’ for Kids

Sometimes the meals children receive at school are the only guaranteed meals they get each day.  And with schools on summer vacation, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, Governor Gina M. Raimondo and First Gentleman Andy Moffit, the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, and others are teaming up with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure every child has access to healthy food over their summer break.

This year they are partnering with non-profits, community organizations, and volunteers to offer the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) at over 200 sites across Rhode Island and hope to serve more than 300,000 meals to hungry kids in need.

The federal Summer Food Service Program is open to any child 18 years of age and younger, and gives them the opportunity to enjoy free, nutritious meals and snacks for most of the summer.  The program is administered by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) in conjunction with community partners throughout the state, such as the Providence Department of Parks + Recreation and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, and operates Mondays through Fridays in most locations, with some sites offering weekend options as well.