Sent via SchoolMessenger on June 21, 2022
Following is important information regarding the SOCSD Food Pantry, the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program and 2022-23 Free/Reduced School Meal Applications:
SOCSD Food Pantry Pick Ups on Hold
The SOCSD Food Pantry hosted its final distribution of the school year on June 16. Should your family need assistance during the summer, please email socsdcares@socsd.org.
National Summer Food Service Program Returns
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) established the nationwide Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) to ensure that low-income children, 18 and younger, continue to receive nutritious meals when schools are not in session. For more information and to find SFSP locations, visit the Feeding America website. Families may also find meal programs nearby by texting the word FOOD to 304-304 (data and message rates may apply) or by calling the USDA Hotline at 1-866-348-6479.
Submit 2022-23 Free/Reduced Meal Applications Starting July 1
For the past two years, the USDA has offered waivers to Child Nutrition programs across the United States, allowing these programs to offer all students breakfast and lunch at no charge. These waivers are set to expire on June 30, 2022. This means that starting in September 2022, Child Nutrition programs across the nation will return to normal, pre-pandemic operations and resume charging for school meals.
Parents/caregivers who believe that their children may be eligible for free and reduced school breakfast and lunch are encouraged to complete the 2022-23 application (English | Spanish) and email it to Maureen Clancy (mclancy2@socsd.org) on or after July 1, 2022. Applications submitted before July 1 cannot be accepted.
Enrollment in the free and reduced school meals program is confidential and enables students to receive waivers for college application fees, qualify for AP exam fee reductions, take a limited number of SAT exams for free and participate in the Job Corps workforce development program. In addition, enrolled children may be eligible for benefits such as Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Qualifying students must have an approved application on file in order to access these benefits and free/reduced school meals.
Our Food Services office is committed to supporting families and making this transition back to normal operations as easy as possible. Please feel free to contact Maureen Clancy (mclancy2@socsd.org | 845-680-1009) with any questions.