About Us
Rise & Shine Illinois is a partnership of Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The campaign was launched in 2012 as a response to a recommendation of the Illinois Commission to End Hunger. Rise & Shine Illinois is a public-private coalition working to end childhood hunger in Illinois ensuring all children get the healthy food they need every day.
The goal of Rise & Shine Illinois is to connect students with the meals most critical to their success: Breakfast, After-School, and Summer Meals.
BREAKFAST: Rise & Shine Illinois works with schools to increase participation in the National School Breakfast Program (NSBP) by using proven alternative Breakfast After the Bell models (Breakfast in the Classroom, Grab ‘N’ Go, or Second Chance). The NSBP is federally-funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered at the state level by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The program provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free breakfasts to children. Through the NSBP, all Illinois schools are eligible for free, federally – funded breakfast.
AFTER-SCHOOL MEALS: Rise & Shine Illinois works with schools and organizations to increase participation in the At-Risk After-School Meals Program. Under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) the At-Risk After-School Meals Program is federally-funded by the USDA and administered by ISBE. The program provides for snacks and meals to be served at after-school programs that offer enrichment or educational activities.
SUMMER MEALS: Rise & Shine Illinois works with schools and organizations to increase participation in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also known as the Summer Meals Program. The Summer Meals Program is federally-funded by the USDA and administered by ISBE. The programs provides free nutritious meals to kids, age 18 and under during the summer months ensuring children’s bodies and minds are healthy, strong, and ready for the next school year.
For help implementing a Breakfast After the Bell Program and/or to become a Sponsor or Site for a At-Risk After-School Meals and/or Summer Meals Program email us at riseandshineillinois@gcfd.org
Lead Partners
¹Source: Hunger in Illinois
²Source: No Kid Hungry Starts with Breakfast