In Davidson County, about 72% of Nashville’s students receive free or reduced-pay lunch during the school year.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), administered locally by the Metropolitan Action Commission, is a national program designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals for school-age children during the summer months that may otherwise go without a meal during the day when school is out.

To qualify as a summer food site, the facility must be located in or near low-income areas where at least 50% of the population qualifies for free or reduced meals during the regular school season. The program serves school age children up to age 18 years old.

Last summer Metro Action prepared a total of 223,888 breakfast and lunch meals for 110 sites, such as summer camps, enrichment programs and community centers, making the agency the largest SFSP sponsor in Davidson County.

“We also offer this service to organizations that may not have a summer program, but are located near young people such as apartment community rooms and churches,” said Marvin D. Cox, community programs director.

Applications were available beginning March 1 at the agency’s main office, located at 800 2nd Ave. North and on the website <www.nashville.gov/mac>.

Applications must be received by March 29 for consideration as a meal site.  Meals will be provided from June 3 through July 26.

Metro Action receives federal funding for the SFSP from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service through a grant with the Tennessee Department of Human Services. For more information call 615-862-8860, ext. 70120.