Summer Meals
Site Selection Criteria During Sponsor and Site Reviews in the SFSP
USDA released a memo addressing site selection criteria during Sponsor and Site Reviews in the Summer Food Service Program.
Read MoreQ&A: Summer 2023 Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas
USDA released a memo with a second set of questions and answers on the rural non-congregate summer meals option established through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. The memorandum addresses the following topics: State Agency approval of non-congregate meal service; sponsors, site, and participant eligibility; meal service; monitoring; reporting; and general/miscellaneous guidance.
Read MoreOn-site/Off-site Monitoring Guidance (SFSP)
USDA has released guidance regarding on-site and off-site strategies and options for oversight and monitoring of the Summer Food Service Program.
Read MoreSuccessful Non-Congregate Meal Service Models for Rural Areas
In approved states beginning summer 2023, Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and NSLP Seamless Summer Option (SSO) sponsors can operate non-congregate programs in rural communities without access to a congregate meal site. Our partners at No Kid Hungry have created a resource that outlines effective models for non-congregate meal service. Use their guide to find strategies and tactics to execute a successful non-congregate summer meals program in your rural community.
Read MoreGuidance on Performance Standards, Budgets, and Management Plans in the Summer Food Service Program
In September 2022, FNS published the Final Rule: Streamlining Program Requirements and Improving Integrity in the SFSP. Compliance with the provisions of the rule must begin by May 1, 2023. The USDA released a memo to provide guidance for state agencies and program operators on SFSP performance standards, budgets, and management plans which were aligned with other child nutrition programs through the final rule.
Read MoreConsolidated Appropriations Act, 2023: Effect on Child Nutrition Programs
Summer EBT will provide EBT benefits on an ongoing basis to low-income children during the summer months to ensure continued access to meals and snacks when school is not in session. For 2024, benefits are an amount equal to $40 per month per eligible child during the summer operational period.
Read MoreImplementation Guidance: Summer 2023 Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, established a permanent non-congregate meal service option for rural areas with no congregate meal service available. This memorandum provides guidance on the administration and operation of non-congregate meal service in rural areas during summer 2023 for the SFSP.
Read MoreFinal Rule: Streamlining Program Requirements and Improving Integrity in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
Food and Nutrition Service amended the regulations of the Summer Food Service Program in September 2022 to strengthen program integrity and streamline program administration. The final rule codifies changes that will simplify the application process, enhance monitoring requirements, clarify existing requirements, and provide more discretion at the state agency level to manage program operations.
Read MoreField Guide for SFSP Operators
The definitive directory of resources for Summer Food Service Program operators, including links to USDA guidance and downloadable freebies.
Read MoreSummer 2022 Waiver Update
The recently passed Keep Kids Fed Act (KKFA) extended USDA’s nationwide waiver authority. To date, USDA has released seven waivers related to summer 2022 operations
Read More