New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn, along with representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, highlighted the success of the Summer Food Service Program in New Jersey during a visit to the Pemberton Early Childhood Learning Center in Burlington County.
According to a report by the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) released last year, New Jersey ranks first in the nation for providing summer lunch to children from households that participated in school-year lunch programs.
In 2023, nearly five million summer meals were served to New Jersey children who qualified for the Summer Food Service Program. This year, there are 1,272 feeding sites and 178 sponsors participating in the program across the state. Districts where 50 percent or more students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches under the National School Lunch Program can participate.
Pemberton also participates in the new Summer EBT program, which has over 600,000 eligible students enrolled statewide. The program provides eligible families $120 per child to purchase food during summer months. New Jersey was the first Mid-Atlantic state approved for Summer EBT by USDA for 2024.
The Pemberton Summer Food Service Program operates at five sites and has served more than 6,000 combined breakfasts and lunches this summer. Approximately 700 children participate in Pemberton School District's program, which also includes a rural non-congregate feeding initiative.
“Summer Food Service provides an opportunity for children and those who are eligible to receive healthy meals throughout the summer,” Secretary Wengryn said. “The commitment of Pemberton Township and the Pemberton School District to administer these meals is a great example of the success that can take place when there is a collaborative effort. The addition of Summer EBT this year provides another avenue for children to access the meals they need during these summer months.”
“Even though the school year has ended, the nutritional needs for children still need to be met,” said Barbara Wells, Pemberton Township School District Food Service Supervisor. “Hunger does not take the summer off, and we are working to ensure that all who are eligible have access to healthy summer meal options. The commitment and investment from all our partners allow this to be a successful program.”
Started in 1976 as an extension of the National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service ensures that individuals aged 18 or younger in low-income areas have access to meals while school is out. It is also open to people over 18 who participate in public or nonprofit private programs supporting individuals with disabilities.
The federally funded program reimburses participating organizations for meals served to children living in areas where at least 50 percent qualify for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program. Most organizations may be reimbursed for up to two meals daily – lunch and either breakfast or a snack.
For more information about becoming a sponsor or learning about feeding sites near you, visit http://bit.ly/V233JR or call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or text "Food" to 877-877.
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