ATLANTA, GA – Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) announces that free meals are available throughout the state for eligible children age 18 and under (and some eligible adults) as a part of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
The SFSP provides free meals in low-income areas during the summer months when students are out of school. Over 60% of Georgia’s school-aged children are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Through the SFSP, these children can receive free meals during the summer when they may not have daily access to well-balanced meals. The Summer Food Service Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agricultural and administered in Georgia by DECAL.
Parents and children can find sites in their area where meals will be served by visiting DECAL’s website at http://decal.ga.gov/Nutrition/Search.aspx. Additionally, sites can be located by calling 1-855-550-SFSP (7377) or by texting “FOODGA” to 877-877 (standard messaging and data rates apply).
According to Falita Flowers, DECAL’s Nutrition Services Director, “When school is out, too many families across the state worry about how their children will receive nutritious meals on a daily basis. The SFSP helps fill that gap and contributes to the overall health and well-being of children.”
For more information about the SFSP and to locate an area site, visit the Bright from the Start website at http://www.decal.ga.gov/Nutrition/Search.aspx. Use the search function (zip code or county) to find a list of all local facilities open to the public and sponsors, addresses, maps, contact names, and phone numbers.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or if all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.
To file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter by mail to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.
Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Source: Bright From the Start
