SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

Hunger does not take a summer vacation. In fact, for the 1 in 6 kids in Montana living in homes that struggle with food insecurity, summer can be the hungriest time of the year.

Over 68 thousand of our children in Montana rely on free breakfast and lunch at their schools. When the summer bell rings, families face an increase in their food budget that many simply cannot afford.

However, thanks to your generous support, MFBN is able to work with many of our Network Partners and other anti-hunger organizations across the state to help increase access to much needed food, fun and nutrition during the summer.

Through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a federally funded program, any child 18 years or younger can show up to a local SFSP site and receive a free meal. No paperwork. No questions. Many SFSP sites also provide educational and fun children's activities during the meal times. MFBN works with community partners to promote awareness and access to the program. MFBN also advocates for policies that strengthen SFSP, especially in rural areas. SFSP sites typically only operate during the weekdays leaving children without food on weekends.

The MFBN BackPack Program has stepped in to provide weekend meals into the summer months with the help of the SFSP sites. Just like during the school year, BackPack bags are given to pre-identified kids in the community on Fridays so they have food throughout the weekend. Help support our ongoing efforts with Summer BackPack and other programs by making a donation today.