While learning does not end when school lets out, neither does the need for good nutrition. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) was created to ensure that children in low-income areas could continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations (i.e. school intercessions and summer vacation), when they do not have access to school breakfast or lunch. Without the help of the SFSP, many children are hungry and undernourished when school is not in session.

SFSP is Federally funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). Sponsors of SFSP must sign an agreement with ADE in order to run the program. The SFSP reimburses approved sponsors for serving meals that meet Federal nutritional guidelines. Sponsors receive payments based on the number of meals they serve. All meals are served free to eligible children.