We are pleased to inform you that the USDA extended the SFSP through December 31, 2020. This change will address the issues of meal counting and eligibility related to the various learning models being utilized. Beyond the announcement, USDA has not provided any guidance on implementation at this time.
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is extending the following waivers for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) through the end of 2020, or until available funding runs out:
- Allowing SFSP and SSO meals to be served in all areas and at no cost;
- Permitting meals to be served outside of the typically-required group settings and meal times;
- Waiving meal pattern requirements as necessary; and
- Allowing parents and guardians to pick-up meals for their children.
Please do not submit claims for reimbursement as we are temporarily closing that section of MARS as we await additional USDA guidance and make adjustments to the system to reflect this change.
Presumably this does include meals already served in August 2020, but we are awaiting official confirmation. Again, USDA has not provided any guidance on implementation at this time. We will send more information as soon as it becomes available, and we will schedule another Teams meeting with the Food Service Directors for this week. I’m sure you have many questions, as do we, but please hold you emails and calls for the moment as we communicate with USDA.