Tennessee seeks groups to help in youth summer food program

January 27, 2020 at 11:15 a.m. | Updated January 27, 2020 at 11:15 a.m.

by Associated Press

Bill Rush, executive director at the James A. Henry YMCA, asks a question to Chattanooga Area Food Bank representatives during a meeting at Camp House Thursday, January 24, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The YMCA works to support access, in low income and food desert areas, to physical activity and food. They also support after school and summer feeding programs, and are concerned with what effects the government shutdown may have on needs across the community.
Bill Rush, executive director at the James A. Henry YMCA, asks a question to Chattanooga Area Food Bank representatives during a meeting at Camp House Thursday, January 24, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The YMCA works to support access, in low income and food desert areas, to physical activity and food. They also support after school and summer feeding programs, and are concerned with what effects the government shutdown may have on needs across the community.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee officials are seeking out organizations to sponsor a program that serves free meals to children over the summer.

In a news release, the Tennessee Department of Human Services said the need for the Summer Food Service Program is especially pressing in rural and distressed counties.

Last year Cheatham, Giles, Moore, Stewart and Wayne counties did not have sponsors.

Organizations, governmental entities, schools, religious entities, and nonprofit residential camps can apply up until May 1.

The program ensures school-aged children who benefit from meal programs at school can access meals in the summer. Adults with a mental or physical disability are eligible if they participated in a school program for individuals with disabilities in the previous school year.

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