L IBRARIES AND THE S UMMER F OOD S ERVICE P ROGRAM Cate Merlin, Peabody Institute Library

W HY IS THIS PROGRAM NEEDED ? Of Peabody’s population of 51,000, 6% of families live below the poverty line The kids and teens who spend their afternoons and summers at the PIL often do not have reliable computer or internet access at home, and use the library for this technology as well as our programs, events and Makerspace equipment and classes Kids who need free or discounted school lunches still need somewhere to eat during the summer

W HY LIBRARIES ? Neutral place for children and teens to comfortably eat lunch without stigma or embarrassment of needing “free” food Known community center “Usual” summer programming partnered with lunches is an easy tie-in for kids and the library Specialized programming (week-long “camps”, etc.) becomes possible now that lunch is included

H OW IT W ORKS At the PIL, lunch is served from at 12pm Mondays- Thursdays during the summer, with a craft or activity available to children and teens after lunch. Daily attendance since the program began in 2009 is between kids, depending on the year, weather, etc. Do kids have to sign up? Who provides the food? Who serves the food? Staff Requirements Space Requirements Equipment Requirements

C OMMUNITY P ARTNERS

B EST P RACTICES Full commitment by all library staff is needed. This is a big undertaking, depending on attendance, and having the support of all staff is necessary for kids and teens to truly feel welcome to eat, laugh and be merry in a setting that doesn’t always encourage eating and noise, especially in the same place! A dedicated staff member in charge of day-to-day technicalities (food temperature, lunch counts, etc.) turns the program in a well-oiled machine Teen/adult volunteers can help with set up, distribution and after-lunch activities and programs (bonus if your library has access to summer internship or volunteer program for local teens)

B EST P RACTICES Community partners can help advertise, staff and promote your Summer Foods program. Even if an organization can’t contribute financially, they can still donate the time and effort of employees and volunteers. Advertise programs and events that include lunch, so parents know their kids will both have access to a nutritious meal while participating in fun activities School districts are often able to place “robo-calls” informing all parents of Summer Foods program- this will bring incredible attendance, so only do this if you’re prepared! Grants to purchase programming equipment (i.e. tables, chairs, playground toys) or supplies for specific programs and events can expand your programming abilities and provide support for truly amazing summer events that combine the SFSP with the national summer reading theme

UNMASK! S UMMER 2015 F UNDED BY A GENEROUS GRANT FROM P ROJECT B READ

T IPS & R ESOURCES TO S TART AN Y OUR L IBRARY  Think about how the SFSP fits into your library and its mission. Why should your library run summer foods? Thinking through this part early will help if your colleagues and potential partners have questions about the library’s role in a program like this.  Talk to your library director and co-workers about the SFSP. Explain why you think your library should get involved.  See if a SFSP is already operating in your community. If so, it may be fairly easy to add your library as a feeding site. The public school Food Service Department in your city or town may be a good place to start.  If you are starting from scratch, contact the state agency in charge of Child Nutrition Programs. To find your state’s agency, check out:  Brainstorm partners. Start with organizations in your community who have an interest in serving youth (schools, churches, recreation departments, YMCAs,), but don’t stop there. If a potential partner can’t participate, think outside the box about who else could fulfill the needed role.  Involve elected officials early. Your mayor, council and school board members or library trustees may have contacts and influence that can benefit your SFSP.  Explore funding options. The federal reimbursement rate may not cover all expenses, especially if you plan to offer programs and activities at your site. In Massachusetts, the statewide non-profit Project Bread ( offers grants for new sponsors and sites and for programs wishing to offer locally grown produce as part of their summer meals. Also, consider local businesses, hospitals and foundations as potential funders.  Don’t limit partners to only those who can provide financial support. Look for in-kind contributions and for partners who can step in for each other should problems arise.