Oklahoma Seeks Sponsors for Summer Food Service Program

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The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) Child Nutrition programs are now seeking sponsoring organizations for the 2026 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Eligible sponsors include public or governmental agencies, private non-profit residential summer camps, and other private non-profit organizations. The program provides free, nutritious meals to children during the summer when school is not in session.

Why it matters

The SFSP aims to ensure children from low-income areas have access to healthy meals during the summer months when they may not have access to school-provided meals. Sponsoring organizations play a crucial role in operating the program and reaching children in need across Oklahoma.

The details

Eligible sponsors must provide meals in needy areas, defined as those where at least half of the children qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Sponsors receive financial assistance to cover the costs of obtaining, preparing, and serving the food, including administrative expenses. Annual training is required, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Oklahoma City and Tulsa in February and March 2026.

• The 2026 Summer Food Service Program will run during the summer months when school is not in session.
• Upcoming training sessions for potential sponsors are scheduled for February 3-4, 10-11, 18-20 in Oklahoma City, February 26 in Tulsa, and March 3-4 in Oklahoma City.

What’s next

Interested organizations should contact Dee Houston at the OSDE Child Nutrition Programs to register for the upcoming training sessions and begin the process of becoming an SFSP sponsor.