I just wanted to say a few words regarding our Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). SFSP serves to provide free lunches to schoolchildren over the summer who would usually receive them during the school year. (As a college student I see the word ‘free’ and my eyes pop out of my head…if only I was still in grade school.) What we, as outreach fellows, observe is a lack of participation in this program compared to the regular school year. In fact, only 16% of eligible children participated in last year’s SFSP. Why do you think this is? As I speculate some things come to mind.
Is it the commute? During the year children must attend school, while over the summer kids are freer to do what they wish and need to make the effort to get to a site. Are they choosing not to attend SFSP sites or does it not seem worth it to their families? It’s very hard to tell. Is there stigma associated with the SFSP programs, meaning are children embarrassed to be seen receiving a free meal? Whatever the reason, we as active participants in our community should find a way to remedy this, as it only seems right to help those who are hungry, through no fault of their own, get a free hot & healthy meal. I believe what goes the longest way is word of mouth. What better way to get the message than from somebody close to you. If we all just told five different people about SFSP, I’m confident we would see an increase in participation - especially among families who are already using the program. If you just share your experience with peers, it would go a surprising long way. So next time you think about SFSP, maybe just call or text a friend that might be interested, you never know, you may have just have made a big difference to a needy family for the rest of the summer.
-Spencer Hardy
-Spencer Hardy