Break for a Plate Alabama

On June 4, the SUN Program team kicked off the 2026 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) at the YMCA of Chilton County with a day full of learning, laughter, and summer fun!

The event was a huge success, giving students the opportunity to learn about the importance of healthy eating, staying hydrated, and staying active throughout the summer months.

Participants enjoyed engaging activities and received SUN Program swag bags to add to the fun. It was a great start to a summer of healthy habits, yummy foods, and new adventures! ☀️😎🍎

Eligible school-age children can get $120 per child in grocery benefits during the summer through the Alabama SUN Bucks program. These benefits can provide the nourishment your children need during the summer break. 🌞🍉

Learn more about Alabama SUN Bucks at www.alabama-sunbucks.com/

What a kickoff! 🎉 The ALSDE Child Nutrition programs’ 1st annual CACFP Conference (March 31 - April 1) brought together passionate professionals for two days of learning, connection, and inspiration.

With great partners like the Alabama School Nutrition Association, engaging sessions, and plenty of fun, the energy exceeded expectations.
Grateful for everyone who made it a success—already looking forward to next year!

🎉🌞 Join us for the SFSP 2026 Kick-Off hosted by the ALSDE Child Nutrition SUN Programs at the YMCA of Chilton County! 🍎🥪

Come out for a fun-filled event where you’ll learn all about the FREE, nutritious meals available for children throughout the summer—and how we’re making healthy eating exciting and accessible for everyone!

📅 June 4, 2026
⏰ 10:30 am
📓 Grade Levels K-6
📍 YMCA of Chilton County

Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us kick off a summer of health, happiness, and great food! 💚

Summer meal sites are getting ready across Alabama!🍒🍊

When school is out, Break for a Plate helps ensure kids still have access to the nutritious meals they need to grow, play, and thrive. Stay tuned for locations near you and get ready for a summer full of good food and bright smiles.🍉🍎

🌂🌧🌫Hurricane season can bring more than just bad weather, it can disrupt access to food and daily essentials. Being prepared means having what you need before the storm hits.

Stock up on shelf-stable foods, water, and basic supplies so your household stays safe and nourished during severe weather. Stay safe. Stay ready. 🎒🍞🔦

Summer will be here before you know it, and so will free meals for kids across Alabama.

Break for a Plate is getting ready to serve communities statewide, helping ensure children have access to the nutrition they need when school is out.

More details on locations, dates, and how to get involved are coming soon. Stay tuned.

School districts can strengthen their financial stability under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) by strategically grouping schools to maximize Identified Student Percentage (ISP). By combining schools with higher ISPs alongside those with moderate participation levels, districts can raise their overall claiming percentage, resulting in greater federal reimbursement and reduced administrative burdens.

Thoughtful grouping ensures more students receive meals at no cost while allowing districts to operate sustainably. This approach not only improves access to nutritious meals but also supports long-term financial viability for child nutrition programs.

Thinking about CEP for your school or district? Start here.
The CEP eligibility checklist is now available to help you determine if your site qualifies and what steps to take next. It’s a simple way to get organized and move forward with confidence.

Review the checklist, gather your data, and get ready for the upcoming CEP cycle.

How does the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) work, and why does it matter for your school?

CEP allows eligible schools to provide free meals to all students without collecting household applications, making it easier to serve nutritious meals while reducing administrative burden.

We’ll be sharing more details soon to help you understand eligibility, benefits, and how to prepare. Stay tuned, CEP season is coming.