Senator Carper Visits USDA Summer Food Service Program at Laurel Boys and Girls Club

LAUREL, Del. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) visited the Laurel Boys and Girls Club to serve meals to children as part of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The SFSP is a federally funded U.S. Department of Agriculture program administered by Delaware at more than 500 sites across the state. The SFSP works to ensure that low-income children continue to receive free nutritious meals when school is not in session.

“No child should go hungry — but sadly, we know that millions of children across the nation often don’t have enough to eat to lead happy and healthy lives.” said Senator Carper. “This crisis has been particularly pressing throughout the pandemic, as many families struggled to put food on the table and so many children who relied on school lunches had to adjust to virtual learning from home. That’s why it’s so important that families across the First State — and the entire country — know about the summer food service program and how it can help them.”

In March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the nationwide extension of several waivers to allow all children to continue to receive nutritious meals throughout the summer until Sept. 30, 2021. Right now, nearly 12 million children live in households where they may not always have enough to eat. These critically needed summer meals provide relief to many children in families who have been struggling throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and are fighting daily to put food on the table. No enrollment in the program is necessary and there is no cost for the meals.

To find a site, Delawareans can call 2-1-1 or text “food” or “comida” to 877-877.

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