As a Summer EATS/Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Food 4 Kids is reimbursed a fixed amount by the USDA for each meal served as a first serving to children. The SFSP reimburses 2 first-serving meals at each site/day. Meals served as second servings or to adults, and any left overs are not reimbursed. Food 4 Kids provides meals outside these parameters to meet the needs of local families for example, a third meal and serving anyone who requests a meal including adults.
The Massachusetts Department of Early and Secondary Education (DESE) oversees overall management of the SFSP program, including disbursement of USDA funds. We submit total monthly meal counts for each site and are reimbursed accordingly. USDA reimbursement rates are based on national food cost averages and are adjusted annually.
In the last 2 years, USDA reimbursements have only covered 47-50% due to:
Increasing the nutrient-density of meals (fresh produce vs. juice), and soaring food costs on the Cape.
Providing lunches to non-reimbursable sites, e.g. local community fridges and food pantries.
To bridge the gap, we rely on grants from MA and local towns, Project Bread, Cape Cod-based foundations, local businesses, faith organizations, and individual donations. Visit our Funding Partners page.