Fact Check: 38 states currently participate in the federal summer lunch program.

Fact Check: "38 states currently participate in the federal summer lunch program."

What We Know

The claim that "38 states currently participate in the federal summer lunch program" is misleading. According to the Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder, as of June 12, 2025, there are 41 states listed as participating in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) Program. The states that are currently participating include Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming. This indicates that the number of participating states is actually 41, not 38.

Analysis

The claim appears to have originated from a misinterpretation or outdated information regarding the participation in the federal summer lunch program. The Food and Nutrition Service provides regular updates on the states participating in these programs, and the most recent data confirms that 41 states are actively involved.

The source of this information is credible, as it comes directly from the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, which oversees the implementation of these programs. The USDA is a reliable authority on matters related to food assistance programs in the United States. Furthermore, the site finder is updated weekly to reflect any changes in participation, ensuring that the data is current and accurate.

In contrast, there are no supporting sources that validate the claim of only 38 states participating. This lack of corroborating evidence further undermines the credibility of the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: False. The assertion that "38 states currently participate in the federal summer lunch program" is incorrect. The latest data indicates that 41 states are actively participating in the Summer Food Service Program and Summer EBT Program, as confirmed by the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service.

Sources

1. Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder | Food and Nutrition Service
2. Streamlining Plan Requirements for the Summer EBT ...
3. Summer Food Service Program - 2025 Reimbursement Rates
4. PDF School Lunch and Breakfast Participation: A Snapshot of Recent Trends
5. SUN Meals
6. PDF 2025 SFSP Public Release - education.nh.gov
7. Child Nutrition Programs - Summer Food Service Program
8. SFSP Administration Guide | Food and Nutrition Service