Iowa Launches Grant Program to Expand Summer Meal Sites for Children

By Andi Anderson

Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education have unveiled a new initiative aimed at enhancing access to nutritious meals for children during the summer months. The $900,000 grant program seeks to broaden participation in federally funded summer child nutrition programs, ensuring more Iowa children have access to healthy meals and snacks.

The Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option, administered by the Iowa Department of Education in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, play a crucial role in providing nutritious meals to children aged 18 and under during the summer. Through the Summer Meal Program Expansion Grant, additional summer meal sites will be established across the state, particularly in underserved areas, to expand program participation.

"Ensuring young Iowans have access to free, nutritious meals in their communities during the summer has always been a priority," stated Governor Kim Reynolds. "With the Summer Meal Program Expansion Grant, we are expanding these vital programs statewide to ensure Iowa's youth have access to healthy meals while supporting local community farms and vendors whenever possible."

Eligible organizations, including schools participating in the National School Lunch Program, private nonprofit organizations, community and faith-based organizations, higher education institutions, and local government agencies, may apply to serve as sponsors for the Summer Food Service Program or Seamless Summer Option.

McKenzie Snow, Director of the Iowa Department of Education, emphasized the importance of partnerships in supporting child nutrition and well-being during the summer months. The grant program aims to leverage community-based providers and schools to enhance the impact of existing child nutrition programs.

Summer meal sites can be established at various locations within the community, including schools, churches, community centers, parks, libraries, and camps. Priority consideration will be given to applicants establishing new open meal sites, serving all children ages 18 and younger. Additionally, sponsors with limited or no previous participation and those serving areas with minimal existing meal sites will receive stronger consideration.

The initiative, funded through State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, offers reimbursement funding for eligible sponsors to cover expenses such as local food purchases, program outreach, and operational costs.

Applications for the Summer Meal Program Expansion Grant are currently open on IowaGrants.gov, with a deadline of May 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. The number and amounts of grants awarded will be determined based on eligible applicants and corresponding budget proposals.

This initiative underscores Iowa's commitment to ensuring all children have access to nutritious meals and snacks year-round.

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