NASHVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) invites community groups to participate in food assistance programs for 2020.
The application process has begun for TDHS’s 2020 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which helps to provide meals to students 18 and younger who benefit from meal programs during the school year. The program runs throughout the summer break, when school is no longer in session. The program also welcomes adults with mental or physical disabilities who participate in a school program the prior school year.
The application process is open to organizations, government entities, schools, religious groups and non-profit residential camps interested in sponsoring the program and serving meals in their communities.
SFSP is of particular importance to distressed and rural areas of the state. In 2019, Cheatham, Giles, Moore, Stewart and Wayne Counties went unsponsored.
“The partnerships we have with our Summer Food Service Program sponsors are helping us build strong families,” said TDHS Commission Danielle W. Barnes. “The needs of our communities differ greatly from each other and that’s why it’s so essential to have sponsors working with us in all communities across the entire state. We build a thriving Tennessee by helping all children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months.”
TDHS will be accepting applications until May 1. Those interested in becoming an SFSP sponsor can contact the Department of Human Services at TNSFSP.DHS@tn.gov.