FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2026
Contact: McKenna Gregg, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Summer Food Service Program Public Release
Summer 2026
HELENA, Mont.—Superintendent Susie Hedalen is pleased to announce the launch of Montana’s 2026 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), ensuring children and teens across the state have access to healthy, nutritious meals throughout the summer months. Sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the program provides free meals to all individuals 18 years old and younger, helping support student wellness and encourage healthy eating habits while school is out of session.
“Our communities continue to play an essential role in supporting Montana’s students year-round,” said Superintendent Hedalen. “By working together with schools, nonprofits, and local partners, we can help ensure children and families have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer. The Summer Food Service Program remains an important resource for Montana families, and I’m grateful for the organizations helping make a difference in communities across our state.”
Families are encouraged to take advantage of the program, which helps strengthen communities and ensures Montana’s youth have dependable access to healthy meals during the summer break.
Montana communities are stepping up again to make sure kids stay fueled for fun, learning, and adventure this summer.
Through USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), free meals will be available to children 18 and under at participating summer meal sites across Montana.
To find a Summer meal site near you:
Visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
The SFSP helps children stay healthy and connected to nutritious meals while school is out for the summer.
Learn more at: OPI’s Summer Food Service Program and USDA Summer Food Service Program
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
McKenna Gregg
Communications Director
Montana Office of Public Instruction
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 71