COLUMBIA, SC — The South Carolina Division of Training (SCDE) is on the lookout for companions to assist present meals to kids this summer season.
Summer time Break Café is a summer season meals service program funded by america Division of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by SCDE in South Carolina. The mission is to make sure that kids have entry to wholesome meals throughout the summer season months when faculty is out.
native authorities companies, faculty districts, and faith-based and public/personal nonprofit organizations might take part in this system.
Final summer season, companions served roughly 1.four million meals to South Carolina college students.
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“When college students are on trip over the summer season, their vitamin will proceed to be a precedence,” mentioned Virgie Chambers, SCDE assistant superintendent of district operations, pupil security and well-being. “Our aim for 2024 is to extend the variety of meal websites to permit extra kids to entry nutritious meals this summer season. To attain this, we’re at present in search of extra group companions, particularly in rural and low-income areas.”
Since 2019, the variety of sponsors and websites has decreased.
Summer time Break Café meals are served at areas which may be situated in colleges, church buildings, recreation facilities, hospitals, espresso retailers, farmers markets, group and immigrant facilities, and different area people areas.
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Final summer season, the federal authorities modified laws to permit websites in rural areas to serve meals on a non-congregate foundation. This meant that kids may carry and eat their meals off-site, a father or mother or guardian may choose up meals for his or her baby, and in some circumstances a number of meals may very well be picked up directly.
Group companions serving as sponsors will obtain reimbursement for meals offered to kids 18 years of age and youthful at permitted meal websites. The USDA requires sponsors to be financially and administratively able to conducting nonprofit meals service. Sponsors will obtain coaching and technical help throughout the software course of and all through the operation of their program.
SCDE will host a number of digital informational conferences.
The primary will happen on January 18, 2024, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm through Microsoft TEAMS.
If you happen to want to attend, it’s essential to register on-line.