Abstract: This GAO report reviews and appraises the operation of the special summer food service program for children. The program is designed to feed, during summer vacation, children from areas having poor economic conditions or high concentrations of working mothers. This publication discusses problems in reaching eligible children and problems in operations at feeding sites.

The handbook is an administrative guide for sponsors participating in the federally funded Summer Food Service Program for Children. The five sections of the handbook incorporate necessary forms, checklists, and guidance materials and include: 1) guidelines to determine a sponsor's ability to participate and general requirements and procedures; 2) specific meal patterns, needed food service equipment, serving sizes, inventories, records, and meal planning for self-preparation sponsors; 3) specifications for programs using food service management companies or vendors; 4) responsibilities of and guidelines for monitoring sites for compliance with program regulations; and 5) unique eligibility criteria, reimbursement methods, and special needs for camps.