Food Assistance Programs for Children School Breakfast Program

(SBP)

What is the SBP? How can it help my children?

The SBP offers free or reduced-price breakfasts to children at school. The SBP can help children who may not have the chance to eat breakfast in the morning before school to not feel hungry and improve their ability to focus at school. Meals that are served in correspondence with the SBP must meet the federal nutrition requirements.

Who qualifies to participate in the SBP?

The SBP is offered at many schools across Utah. The program operates in public schools, nonprofit private schools, and residential childcare institutions.

The SBP is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS), and the Utah State Board of Education oversees the program in the state. The program offers either free or reduced-price meals, depending on the family's size and income.

Free breakfast is available to children when their family's income is at or below the federal poverty line of 130%.

Reduced-price breakfast is available to children when their family's income is between 130% and 185% of the federal poverty line.

School Lunch Program

If you qualify for the SBP, your child may also be eligible to participate in the School Lunch Program. The information for this program is essentially the same as the SBP found on this page. Please contact your child's school or district office to find out if your child is eligible to participate in the School Lunch Program.

How can my children receive breakfast at school?

Contact your child’s school or district office to learn about submitting an application to receive benefits. A representative at the school or district will review the case and determine your child’s eligibility status. Forms to apply for participation in the SBP are typically sent out at the beginning of the school year, but you can request to apply at any time during the school year as well.

How is school breakfast served?

Breakfast service varies from school to school. Some of the common methods that schools provide breakfast in the morning are:

Traditional breakfast offered in the cafeteria. Breakfast on the bus.

Breakfast in the classroom. Breakfast after first period. Grab and go breakfast.

Contact your school to learn more about how they distribute breakfast to their students.

Do you know?

Your children may also be deemed eligible if your family also participates in other federal assistance programs, like SNAP and TANF. Learn more about SNAP by scanning the QR code on the next page.

Food Outside of School

Kids Cafe

Your children can receive meals after the school day has ended. The Utah Food Bank (UFB) operates the Kids Cafe, which gives children up to the age of 18 the opportunity to eat a meal in the evening. Kids Cafe is available at on-site, after-school programs and other sites like the Boys & Girls Clubs and community centers.

For meals provided at your child's school, Kids Cafe will provide meals to schools that have at least 50% of the students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. If that is the case, no further eligibility is required, and all students enrolled in the school's after-school program can receive these meals. Contact your child's school or district office to see if Kids Cafe provides meals at their school.

For meals provided at other sites outside of schools, the site's location must be located within the enrollment boundaries of a school where at least 50% of the children qualify for free or reduced meals. Any child that shows up at these locations can receive a meal.

Food During the Summer

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

The SFSP allows children 18 and younger to receive free meals and snacks throughout the summer. These meals can be found at various locations such as schools, summer programs, and clubs and are sponsored by multiple organizations. The UFB's Kids Cafe also provides meals during the summer at multiple sites.

You can also call or text the numbers here:

Text "Food" to 304-304

Call 1 (800) 453-3663

Utah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination, including harassment. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.

Mobile School Pantries for Elementary School Children

Every month during the school year, a truck from the UFB visits elementary schools across Utah to provide children and their families with pantry staple foods. Please check with your child's school to see if the UFB food truck visits your school.

For schools that the UFB does not visit, your child's school or district may be able to refer you to other programs that can allow your child to bring home non-perishable foods.

Child and Adult Food Care Program (CACFP)

There are many after-school and daycare centers that can choose to participate in the CACFP. This program provides nutritious food for your children when they attend a center that participates. Know that this service is optional and you can find out if certain centers participate before deciding on a place for your children to go after school.

Contact the UFB for further questions about Kids Cafe, SFSP, and mobile pantries at:

(801)978-2452

To receive additional information about these programs and other food assistance programs, open the camera on your phone and scan this QR code: