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Summer Food Service Program

Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas Q&A #2

FNS has issued a memorandum, which is the second set of questions and answers on the rural non-congregate summer meals option established through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (the Act) (P.L. 117-328), and codified through the interim final rulemaking (IFR), Implementing Provisions from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023: Establishing the Summer EBT Program and Rural Non-congregate Option in the Summer Meal Programs (88 FR 90230).

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Outreach

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 established requirements for SFAs conducting outreach for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).  SFAs may distribute information through means normally used to communicate with households of enrolled children. Acceptable outreach activities may include developing and distributing printed and electronic materials that provide information on the availability and location of summer meals to families of school children prior to the end of the school year.  Here are some outreach strategies for you:

Criteria for Establishing Sponsors in “Good Standing"

USDA regulations and policy allow Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sponsors that are “in good standing”, as determined by the State agency, certain allowances in the operation of the SFSP. According to federal regulations at 7 CFR 225.2, “good standing” means the status of a program operator that meets its Program responsibilities, is current with its financial obligations, and, if applicable, has fully implemented all corrective actions within the required period of time. 

Public Notice: NYSED seeks Waiver for 2024 SFSP

NYSED seeks to waive the following requirement for new and experienced public entities in good standing: 7 CFR 225.6(e)(1)(i), 7 CFR 225.6(e)(1)(ii), 7 CFR 225.6 (e)(2), 7 CFR 225.6 (e)(3): The State Agency must require the submission of a management plan to determine compliance with performance standards established for new sponsors and experienced public entity sponsors in good standing.

This waiver has not been approved at this time. Further guidance will be made available upon approval.

Waiver Now Available for Excessive Heat

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has received State-level waiver authority from the United States Department of Agriculture for Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sponsors to provide non-congregate meal service at certain Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) outdoor meal sites on days when the area is experiencing excessive heat.  The flexibility will allow Program operators to safely provide meals to Program participants during times of excessive heat. 

Offer Versus Serve Waiver Now Available for Non-SFA Sponsors

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has received State-level waiver authority from the United States Department of Agriculture for non-school food authority Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sponsors to utilize Offer versus Serve (OVS) during the 2023 SFSP. OVS allows children to decline some of the foods offered in a reimbursable breakfast, lunch, or supper. 

Turnip the Beet Awards

The Turnip the Beet Award recognizes outstanding summer meal program sponsors across the nation who work hard to offer high quality meals to children that are appetizing, appealing, and nutritious during the summer months. Being selected as a winner brings a sense of pride and validation to your program and your community.

Congratulations to New York’s Fillmore Powerhouse Youth Center Inc. for their 2023 Gold award!

2024 No Kid Hungry New York Summer Meals Grant Opportunity

No Kid Hungry New York is supporting school districts and community-based organizations operating SFSP or SSO and implementing non-congregate meal programs in rural areas with a grant opportunity. The average grant award will range between $10,000 - $15,000. Grant amounts will vary depending on program need. To be considered for a summer meals grant, an applicant must submit the No Kid Hungry New York 2024 Summer Grant Inquiry Form by Wednesday, April 10th.

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USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

  1. mail:
    U.S. Department of Agriculture
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    1400 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
  2. fax:
    (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
  3. email:
    Program.Intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Click here for Nondiscrimination Statement translations.

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