FY2027: Summer Food Service Program: Expansion, Access, Training and Start-Up (SFSPEATS) Grant for New and Existing Sponsors
The SFSPEATS Grant supports new and existing Massachusetts summer meal sponsors with planning, outreach, training, and equipment to expand sustainable access to nutritious meals for children.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Due Dates: February 12, 2027, at 5:00 p.m. (Full application) | June 30, 2027 (Project completion)
Funding Amounts: Requests up to $1,000–$35,000, based on meal volume; approximately $554,090 available; projects run from approval through June 30, 2027
Summary: Supports new and existing Massachusetts summer meal sponsors with planning, outreach, training, and equipment to expand sustainable access to nutritious meals.
Key Information: This is solely a planning and sustainability grant; funds cannot purchase food for reimbursable meals.
Description
The state-funded SFSPEATS grant is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office for Food and Nutrition Programs. It supports new and existing Summer Food Service Program sponsors in serving more children daily, increasing total meals, extending service throughout summer vacation, and establishing sites for communities not currently served.
The program funds planning and sustainability work, including community outreach, participation-building activities, food safety training, equipment, and operational resources. Priorities include rural access, sites serving low-income populations, and districts and schools in chronically underperforming status. It also encourages Farm to Summer activities, scratch cooking, local food procurement, and meals featuring more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
