Emergency Feeding

Child nutrition program sponsors can serve free meals to children in the event of an unanticipated school closure, extreme weather event, natural disaster, or other similar situation.

It is highly recommended that sponsors develop an Emergency Readiness Plan to ensure a rapid and efficient response if an emergency situation arises.

Programs available to feed youth during an emergency

When schools face unanticipated closures that prevent children from receiving educational instruction and the nutritious meals they would normally receive, sponsors may choose to operate the Summer Food Service Program or the NSLP Seamless Summer Option to help ensure children continue to receive meals.

View Guide: Serving Meals During an Emergency or Disaster

Program Resources