-- The Alabama State Department of Education is seeking organizations to help administer a summer food program to serve students when school is out.
According to the department, many families across the state depend on school-served meals during the regular school year.
But when school is out, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Programs fills the "nutrition gap" at feeding sites operated by approved sponsors.
The state education department encouraged operators of schools, parks and recreation programs, faith-based organizations and other non-profit organizations to offer meals through the USDA program.
Sponsors provide free meals to low-income children up through age 18. Participating organizations may be reimbursed for meals and snacks that meet USDA guidelines, according to the state department.
Summer Food Service Program sites can only be sponsored by public organizations or any registered nonprofit private organizations.
That includes schools, summer camps, state and local governments, colleges and university.
For more information, contact the Alabama State Department of Education's Child Nutrition Program at 334-242-8249 or click .