Nourishing Young Minds: New Jersey's Summer Food Service Program Shines Bright

In a heartwarming display of community collaboration, New Jersey's Summer Food Service Program has emerged as a shining example of how to ensure that no child goes hungry during the summer months. With a visit to the Pemberton Early Childhood Learning Center in Burlington County, state and federal officials showcased the remarkable success of this vital initiative, underscoring the commitment to providing nutritious meals to those in need.

Fueling Young Minds: New Jersey's Innovative Approach to Summer Nutrition

Ranking High in Summer Meal Provision

According to the latest report from the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), New Jersey has risen to the top of the nation in providing summer lunch to children from households that participated in the school year lunch program. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the state's unwavering dedication to ensuring that no child is left behind when it comes to accessing essential nutrition.

Expanding Reach with Feeding Sites and Sponsors

The Summer Food Service Program in New Jersey has seen a significant expansion, with 1,272 feeding sites and 178 sponsors currently in operation across the state. This extensive network ensures that children in low-income areas have ample access to the meals they need during the summer months, when school is out of session.

Empowering Families with Summer EBT

In a groundbreaking move, New Jersey has become the first Mid-Atlantic state to be approved for the Summer EBT program by the USDA. This innovative initiative provides eligible families with 0 per child to purchase food during the summer, further enhancing the state's efforts to combat food insecurity and ensure that children have the nourishment they need to thrive.

Pemberton's Shining Example

The Pemberton Early Childhood Learning Center in Burlington County serves as a shining example of the success of the Summer Food Service Program. With five feeding sites and more than 6,000 combined breakfasts and lunches served so far this summer, the program has reached an impressive number of children in the Pemberton School District. The district's commitment to providing a rural non-congregate feeding program further demonstrates its dedication to reaching every child in need.

Collaborative Efforts Yield Remarkable Results

The success of the Summer Food Service Program in New Jersey is the result of a collaborative effort between state and federal agencies, as well as local representatives. New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, and the Pemberton School District have all played a crucial role in ensuring that the program continues to thrive and reach those who need it most.

Ensuring Hunger Doesn't Take a Summer Break

As Barbara Wells, the Pemberton Township School District Food Service Supervisor, eloquently stated, "Even though the school year has ended, the nutritional needs for children still need to be met. 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." This unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of children during the summer months is the driving force behind the program's remarkable success.

A Federally Funded Lifeline for Children

The Summer Food Service Program, which was established in 1976 as an outgrowth of the National School Lunch Program, is designed to ensure that children aged 18 or younger in low-income areas have access to nutritious meals during the summer months. The federally funded program reimburses participating organizations for the meals they serve, making it a vital lifeline for families in need.