Non-congregate Summer Meal Sites Expand to Majority of State

by Alissa Snider, Hunger Outreach Program Specialist, and Aisosa Udoh, Hunger Outreach Program Specialist

“As part of our collaborative efforts to enhance USDA’s summer nutrition programs, approved program operators in low-income, rural areas can now use alternate service models that are tailored to the needs of the children and communities they serve.” USDA

This change has allowed for increased options for summer meals sites in low-income and rural areas. By allowing for non-congregate models, children can receive better access to free meals during the summertime. A non-congregate site can offer to-go, mobile, or delivery meals throughout the summer. Sites range from schools, libraries, community centers, food pantries, and many more. If the area is designated as rural by the USDA, the site is eligible to offer non-congregate.

Other eligibility includes:

• Not serving in an area where children would receive the same meal at an approved congregate site, unless it is demonstrated that meal duplication will be avoided, and
• Be in a location that is area-eligible OR be approved for reimbursement only for meals served free to enrolled children who meet program standards

In 2024, there were 128 non-congregate sites in 58 counties across the state, versus just 60 sites in 22 counties in 2023.

The number of libraries participating in summer meals has increased as well. There were 17 non-congregate sites and 31 total. These libraries offered grab-and-go style meals and the traditional congregate-style meal service, where children can eat at the library. One librarian shared that running the program at the library with only a couple staff members was daunting, but those worries were quickly resolved when they saw how smoothly things went and how appreciated the meals were by the community.

During our visits to congregate and non-congregate sites across the state, we heard about the successes and challenges these sites have faced serving meals. Specific details on these successes and challenges include:

Successes: Sites mentioned that this summer has been a whirlwind of activity and success in the world of meal distribution! They have seen a remarkable increase in summer meal visits, showcasing the impressive strides libraries and community organizations have made in both congregate and non-congregate meal services. Having expanded options ensures that more families have access to the meals they need through the summer.

Some highlights include the impactful programs at Alva Gulp & Gallop, the Chickasaw Nation sites, Pryor Library, Stillwater Public Schools, Del City Library, Chandler Library, Altus Library, and Altus Intermediate Public School. Our partnerships with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma (RFBO) and Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma (FBEO) have flourished, enhancing outreach through innovative grab-and-go options. These efforts are paving the way for future improvements, as the feedback collected will guide Hunger Free Oklahoma in setting goals for the 2025 summer meals program.

Check out the pictures below to see the vibrant community engagement and dedication in action!

Challenges: This summer, expanding from one to multiple meal distribution sites presented several significant challenges that required careful planning and adaptation. Key issues included managing increased staffing needs, rising resource costs, and ensuring effective food transport and storage. The logistical demands of packing and distributing thousands of meals daily led to frequent stock shortages and delivery issues. Additional challenges included software difficulties, a need for more flexible scheduling, and coordinating communication across various locations. Despite these obstacles, the experience highlighted areas for improvement and offered valuable insights to enhance future meal programs. As we look ahead, these lessons will help streamline operations and better meet community needs.

What potential sites should know:

• Serve Where the Kids Are:
  • Host meal sites in locations children frequently visit, such as schools, YMCA’s, Boys & Girls Clubs, and libraries. This makes it easier for families to access meals while engaging in afterschool activities.
• Programming:
  • Train staff thoroughly and understand program requirements. Pilot new models and collect feedback from students and families to refine and improve the program.
• Timing and Planning:
  • Begin the application process early with OSDE to allow ample planning time. Reuse previous application details when possible and consider seasonal food availability and relevant enrichment activities.
• Administration:
  • Stay on top of paperwork and recordkeeping. Use centralized and online tools to streamline documentation and reporting.
• Community Partnerships:
  • Collaborate with local organizations to strengthen your program. Utilize existing community resources to enhance your afterschool meals initiative.

We hope to continue to expand options for our communities and ensure that children have enough to eat during the summer. We are so thankful to our sites, sponsors, and volunteers who work tirelessly to feed children. For more information about participating in summer meals, please contact us to learn more.