Gordon A, Briefel R, Needels K., Wemmerus N, Zavitsky T, Russo R, Tasse T, Kalb L, Peterson A, Creel D. 2003. Feeding low-income children when school is out: The Summer Food Service Program. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, 419 pp. Annotation: This report summarizes the results of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Implementation Study, a descriptive study of the operations of the SFSP at the state and local levels. The study addressed the following three major research questions: (1) How does the SFSP operate at the state, sponsor, and site levels? (2) What factors affect participation by sponsors and children? And (3) what is the nutritional quality of meals served, and what is the extent of plate waste? Section topics include study objectives and design, program characteristics, program administration, outreach and participation, meal service, and conclusions on administration simplification, expanding participation, improving meals, and reducing waste. References conclude the report. Statistical data are presented in table and figure formats throughout the report. Contact: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, 1800 M Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036-5831, Telephone: (202) 694-5050 E-mail: infocenterers.usda.gov Web Site: http://www.ers.usda.gov Available from the website. Document Number: E-FAN-03-001. Keywords: Outreach, Participation, Program evaluation, School food services, School lunch programs |