Silver State Times

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is calling for partners to join the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a federally funded initiative aimed at providing free meals to children during school breaks. The program targets students who rely on school meals, ensuring they have access to nutritious food even when school is not in session. Children aged 18 and under can receive these meals without any requirements.

“This program is vital to ensuring Nevada’s students have access to nutritious meals and snacks year-round,” said NDA Community Nutrition Supervisor Lindsay Talbot. “We rely on community partners to help us reach as many students as possible during the summer months.”

Potential partner sites have various options for meal provision, including preparing their own or serving meals sourced from other SFSP partners, public or commercial vendors, local government agencies, or school food service departments. All participating entities must adhere to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s minimum meal pattern requirements for SFSP. The program offers reimbursement for agencies that serve meals in areas where at least half of the student population qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals.

The SFSP operates under federal law and USDA policy, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

Previous sponsors of the program include organizations such as Three Square Food Bank, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, churches, city parks, schools, and Boys & Girls Clubs across Nevada. Last year alone saw 1.1 million meals distributed through this initiative.

Organizations interested in becoming sponsors are encouraged to contact Lindsay Talbot by March 28th at 702-668-4582 or LTALBOT@agri.nv.gov. Further details about the SFSP can be found at agri.nv.gov.

The NDA's mission focuses on preserving and promoting agriculture within Nevada through its five divisions: Administrative Services; Animal Industry; Measurement Standards; Food and Nutrition; and Plant Health and Compliance. With a $288 million budget supporting its operations across these sectors, the department works towards regulatory compliance in agriculture and food manufacturing while safeguarding public health and safety alongside environmental protection efforts.