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Summer Food Service Program

Policy Memorandum: SFSP 03-2024, SP 05-2024: Implementation Guidance for the Rural Non-congregate Option Provisions of the Interim Final Rule, Establishing the Summer EBT Program and Rural Non-Congregate Option in the Summer Meal Programs

In December 29, 2022, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (the Act) (P.L. 117-328). The Act amended section 13 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 42 USC 1761, to include the authorization of a permanent, rural non-congregate meal service through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) which the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is extending to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Seamless Summer Option (SSO).

Registration Open for Non-Congregate Meal Service Implementation Webinar

On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (the Act) (P.L. 117-328). The Act included significant policy changes for Child Nutrition Programs, including the authorization of a permanent, non-congregate meal service through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) for rural areas with no congregate meal service.  

Public Notice: SFSP Unhealthy Air Quality Waiver Request

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has requested a waiver from the requirements in 42 USC 1761(a)(1)(D), and 7 CFR 225.6(i)(15) to allow SFSP sponsors in good standing, that normally operate outdoor meal services at sites without an alternative indoor location, to provide a non-congregate meal service on days when the area experiences an air quality value of 151 or above as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index (AQI).

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

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USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

  1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
  2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
  3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

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