Impact of Summer Mobile Feeding Sites on Increasing Children's Access to Food

Purpose/Objectives: Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) participation rates often underserve the number of children in the community needing access to food. Each year, District 87 in Bloomington, Illinois offers children 18 years old and younger a free lunch at six feeding sites throughout the community as part of the SFSP. During the summer of 2018, mobile feeding units were initiated to deliver lunches to three new feeding sites located at low-income housing complexes. The main goals of this study were to determine if the mobile feeding units effectively served children who otherwise would not attend a feeding site, assess barriers of transportation, and determine future use. Methods: District 87 staff and volunteers administered two surveys on separate days at the mobile feeding sites using an iPad and verballing asking the children the questions. The first survey assessed past participation in the SFSP. The second survey focused on current likes and dislikes of the program for future program improvements. Results: A 21.6% increase in meals served was recorded compared to the 2017 summer. More than 60% of participants (n=38) had never attended a SFSP feeding site before. Transportation to a site was the main barrier identified for 22% of the children who had never participated and 38% of children reported that the convenience of the mobile feeding unit was the best part about it. Application to Child Nutrition Professionals: Every child that participated requested that the mobile feeding unit return in future summers. SFSP mobile feeding units can be a viable and effective way to increase participation and provide children with the nutrition they need during summer months or on remote learning days.