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Resource | Policy Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas Q&As

This guidance updates previously issued questions and answers to clarify the rural non-congregate summer meals option established through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, and codified through the interim final rulemaking, Establishing the Summer EBT Program and Rural Non-congregate Option in the Summer Meal Programs

SFSP 07-2024, SP 13-2024
02/22/2024
Resource | Federal Register Documents Serious Deficiency Process in the CACFP and SFSP

This rulemaking proposes important modifications to make the application of serious deficiency procedures in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program consistent, effective, and in line with current requirements under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. 

02/21/2024
Resource | Policy Interim Final Rule: State agency Monitoring in the SFSP

The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify the new criteria states must consider when determining which SFSP sites require pre-approval visits. The IFR requires state agencies to develop a process to determine which sites need pre-approval visits and must consider sites that are new to non- congregate. States are not required to visit each site that is new to operating non-congregate meal service.

SFSP 06-2024
02/16/2024
Resource | Policy Memos Updated Instructions for the SAE Recovery Process and SAE Financial Status Report

Updated instructions for the state administrative expenses recovery process and SAE financial status report (FNS-777-SAE) for child nutrition programs.

SP 07-2024, CACFP 03-2024
01/24/2024
Resource | Policy Memos Rural Non-Congregate in the SFSP: Guidance on the Management and Administration Plan and State Administrative Funds

This memorandum provides guidance to state agencies on the new Summer Food Service Program requirements and their impact on the Management and Administration Plan and State Administrative Funds.

SFSP 05-2024
01/22/2024
Resource | Policy Memos 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

This memorandum includes key information on the new regulatory requirements for non-congregate summer meal service in rural areas.

SFSP 03-2024, SP 05-2024
01/17/2024
Resource | Federal Register Documents Interim Final Rule: Establishing the Summer EBT Program and Rural Non-Congregate Option in the Summer Meal Programs

USDA’s goal across all summer nutrition programs is simple: Connect children with nutritious food during the summer months to help them grow and thrive. The interim final rule published this week is an important step forward in increasing access to these services

12/29/2023
Resource | Federal Register Documents 2023 Pulse Survey: Operational Challenges in Child Nutrition Programs

The Operational Challenges in Child Nutrition Programs surveys, are designed to collect timely data on emerging school food service operational challenges, including but not limited to supply chain disruptions, food costs, and labor shortages, and/or related issues.

11/13/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Clarification of Allowable Flexibilities for Child Nutrition Programs Experiencing Milk Supply Shortages

FNS is aware that schools in multiple states are experiencing milk supply chain challenges related to packaging issues. This memorandum provides state agencies with information about existing authority related to schools and other child nutrition program operators experiencing inadequate milk supply. FNS encourages state agencies to use this authority when needed to support program operators impacted by the current milk packaging challenges. 

SP 01-2024, CACFP 01-2024, SFSP 01-2024
10/26/2023
Resource | Policy Nationwide Expansion of SFSP Simplified Cost Accounting Procedures - Revised

This guidance updates previously issued guidance to clarify Summer Food Service Program simplified cost accounting requirements, as found in 7 CFR Part 225.

SFSP 01-2008
09/28/2023
Page updated: October 14, 2021