Hello, everyone,

The CSLP (Collaborative Summer Library Program) is currently talking about potential partnership opportunities with the USDA.  They asked us to share information about an upcoming webinar they are hosting.  We will keep you posted in the partnership as it progresses.

Description: Join us as we discover ways to engage children during the long summer months to libraries and summer meals! This Friday you’ll be able to hear from exciting speakers throughout the country on innovative and unique ways to engage the community and prevent summer learning loss. If you wanted to increase participation at your library during the summer or looking for a cool new partnership or if you wanted to learn more from USDA experts about how to start your own summer feeding site then come join usthis Friday from 2-3 p.m. CST. Register today so your space is reserved. Space is limited and registration will conclude Thursday so make sure you sign up today!

            Partner Organizations:  

·        Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA)

·        Public Library Association (PLA)

·        Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC)

·        Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL)

·        Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)

·        Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP)

Guest speakers:

·        Patrice Chamberlain – California Summer Meal Coalition

·        Natalie Cole – California Library Association

·        Vikki Terrile – Queens Library NYC

·        Karlene Fyffe – Durham County Library

·        Jessica Powers – WhyHunger

·        Michael Walton – USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Background on the Summer Food Service Program
Every summer when school ends, millions of kids and teens are at risk of going hungry because they no longer have access to the free and reduced-price meals they received when they were in school.  The USDA has created the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) to cover this summer meal gap.   However, SFSP is one of the most underutilized government programs with only about 16% of eligible kids participating.  This is why we need your help.  You, as an individual or organization, can get involved in so many different ways.  You can serve the meals, promote the program, provide transportation, volunteer at summer food sites, partner with other sites for activities, or even go out and find new sites and sponsors. For more information about SFSP please visit: www.summerfood.usda.gov.

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