Massachusetts education officials are asking more organizations to come forward to sponsor sites for a program that provides meals to schoolchildren during the summer.
The Summer Food Service Program is a U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded initiative that provides free, nutritious meals to children when school is not in session. The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education administers the program.
Many children lose access to nutritious meals in the summer, which puts them at greater risk of unhealthy eating habits, fatigue, weight gain and summer learning loss.
In Massachusetts, the program provides children with access to meals at schools, parks, swimming pools, playgrounds, and other community sites, often in conjunction with enrichment and recreational activities.
Education Secretary James Peyser says he hopes more organizations come forward to help this summer.
