It’s Not Too Late to Help Children with Summer Food | STAGING Compendium

Your library can help children in the community by participating in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).  The program is more critical than ever and you still have time to sign up.

Rules have been relaxed and meals can be given out non-congregate style (grab and go) for Summer Food.

Your library can participate as a site* or as a sponsor!**  See how to apply below.  There is no deadline to be a site!  Existing sponsors have until June 15 to apply and new sponsors had until May 31 to apply.

*A site is where the meal is served.  If you are interested in being a site, you will need to work with a sponsor. On the SFSP website under “Operate A Site” there is a link to the list of sponsors. They are listed by county. You should contact a sponsor in your area and ask if they will sponsor you. Please contact RA-SFSP@pa.gov If you have any trouble finding a sponsor.

** A sponsor is responsible for their site(s), communicates with the State, and will receive the reimbursement. (The preliminary paperwork to be a new sponsor is on the SFSP website or www.pears.pa.gov.). After the Department of Education (PDE) receives the preliminary paperwork, you will be contacted regarding the new sponsor training and you will receive a password to the Pennsylvania Electronic Application and Reimbursement System (PEARS). When training is completed, you will be able to submit your application packet, including site information, through PEARS, the on-line system. The deadline for PDE to receive the preliminary paperwork from a new sponsor was May 31. The Federal deadline for a sponsor to submit their application on PEARS is June 15.

Which could you do to help your community this summer?
Thanks for considering the Summer Food Service Program!