SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  (Date)                                                  Contact: (your name and 
                                                                                                                                 phone number)
   
Food That’s In When School Is Out

	City/Date -  (Name of sponsor) is working to make sure that no children in (name of city/town/community) go hungry when school is closed this summer. Over (insert #) children in (name of county) receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year, but many of these children do not get enough to eat when school is out.  The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensures that low-income children continue to grow and learn during the summer.	
 
	The Summer Food Service Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is the largest federal resource available for local programs that combine meal time with recreational and educational activities. 

	(Name of sponsor/executive director/ superintendent/school food service director) recognizes the need for the program in (name of city/town/community). “Many of our children who rely on school breakfast and lunch during the school year, do not have the energy they need during the summer. That’s where we come in, by providing nutritious meals and activities to keep kids nourished and engaged.”

	Statewide, only __ percent of the __ million children who qualify have access to local Summer Food Sites.  There were  ____ sites across the state in 2006, but only ______ children participated.  In (name of city/town/community), there are (insert #) sites serving over (insert #) this summer.

	(Insert name of official, community leader, PTA President, parent), “Our responsibility to kids doesn’t end when school lets out. Kids who get enough to eat and have safe activities to participate in during the summer are less likely to get into trouble. Our summer meals program is a building block in the community for healthy, happy kids who are ready to learn.”

	The Summer Food Service Program for Children is a federally funded program operated nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by a State Agency. 
Eligible sponsors such as non-profit organizations, schools and local governments serve nutritious meals and snacks free to low-income children during the summer months. Summer programs are located at approved sites that are either in low-income areas or serve a group of children, most of whom are low-income.

	To find out about the Summer Food Program in (insert name of city/town), contact (name) (phone number). To find out the location of the nearest site, call (phone number).