AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Education’s Child Nutrition Services program is looking for organizations across the state to sponsor a federally funded Summer Food Service Program to provide children healthy meals in the summer.

Federally funded school breakfasts and lunches help thousands of low-income children in Maine eat nutritious meals during the school year, but too many go hungry during the summer, according to the Maine Department of Education.

“It’s a disturbing reality that for many children, the only healthy meals they receive are the ones served at school during the academic year,” Education Commissioner Angela Faherty said in a statement Monday. “We are committed to ensuring Maine children continue to receive nutritious meals even after school closes for summer, and we will do that through the help of organizations willing to participate.”

Last summer, 72 sponsors participated in serving almost 450,000 meals to children at more than 200 sites. Partners and more programs are needed in all 16 counties, according to the department.

The Summer Food Service Program can be offered in areas where more than 50 percent of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program. That would include much of Lewiston, and several areas throughout Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties.

Applications to participate will be accepted in mid-February. Approved sponsors will be reimbursed for meals served to children during the long summer break.

Potential sponsors are required to take training courses. Workshops are planned for March 31 for new sponsors, April 22 for camps, and April 28 for schools. Department staff with expertise are available to attend meetings or consult by phone and e-mail to answer questions about the program.

For more information, contact Gail Lombardi at Gail.Lombardi@Maine.gov or 207-624-6876 or visit http://www.maine.gov/education/sfs .

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