The Idaho Department of Education seeks groups to aid in summer meal programs, crucial for combating rural food insecurity when schools close.
BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Education is seeking organizations across the state to help feed children this summer through the 2026 Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids (SUN).
The federally funded program provides free meals and snacks to children ages 1 to 18 at approved meal sites in eligible low-income areas while school is out. Both Boise and West Ada school districts have participated in the program in the past.
According to The Idaho Foodbank, food insecurity varies across the state and is often higher in rural communities. That challenge can grow during the summer months when students no longer have access to school meals.
The Idaho Department of Education partners with community organizations to operate meal sites and reimburses sponsors with federal funds for each qualifying breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner served. Sponsors are especially needed in rural areas, where service gaps remain.
Rural sponsors may also take part in meal service options that allow families to pick up to-go meals.
“Because schools can be a critical source of nutrition for students, families can look to outside organizations for support when school is not in session,” said Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield in a news release. “There are organizations that want to make a meaningful difference in their communities and directly serve kids right in their own neighborhoods.”
Eligible sponsors include:
Public or private nonprofit schools
Public or private nonprofit residential camps
Local, municipal, county, tribal, or state governments
Public or private nonprofit colleges or universities participating in the National Youth Sports Program
Upward Bound programs, religious organizations, libraries, and other nonprofit organizations
All new and returning sponsors must complete an application and attend a required SUN Programs training. In-person training dates for 2026 begin in February at locations across the state, and virtual training sessions for to-go meal programs are scheduled for March. The first training session is on Feb. 13 in Coeur d’Alene, then Feb. 19 in Chubbuck and Feb. 24 in Meridian. All in-person training sessions are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time.
Application information will be provided to eligible sponsors and must be submitted to the Idaho Department of Education by May 1.
