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Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids (SFSP) Sponsor Resources

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Sponsor Resources

Sun Meals with Student The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is now being marketed as SUN Meals and SUN Meals To-Go.

Sponsors of SUN Meals programs must provide meals to all eligible participants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Meals are provided free of charge and without identification. The programs serve children and teens 18 years and younger in eligible areas.

See the No Kid Hungry Summer Meals Fact Sheet and SFSP Overview to learn more about the program.

SUN Meals

  • SFSP offering free summer meals served at schools, parks, community centers, and other neighborhood locations. 

SUN Meals To-Go (Rural Non-Congregate Meals)

  • SFSP and Seamless Summer Option sponsors in rural areas may operate non-congregate meal services.
  • Participants may receive up to 10 days’ worth of meals at once.
  • Non-congregate meal service models include pick-up and home delivery.

Determining Eligibility for Pick-Up Sites or Home Delivery

Several tools are available to help sponsors determine if their localities are rural:

Determining Eligibility for Pick-Up Sites or Home Delivery

  • For all participants to receive meals for free, non-congregate meal services must be in areas where 50% or more of children qualify for free or reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program.
  • Sponsors may operate conditional non-congregate meal services in areas that do not meet the eligibility requirement.
  • Non-congregate meal services may only be in areas without access to a congregate meal services.
  • Meal served on home delivery routes should be claimed under the preparation kitchen.

Meal DistributionSun Meals Location Graphic

  • Participants may receive up to two meals per day in any combination except lunch and supper.
  • Non-congregate pick-up sites or home delivery routes may distribute up to 10 days of meals at once. Sponsors may distribute up to 5 days of bulk meals at once.

Hybrid Sites

  • A traditional congregate feeding site may also operate as a non-congregate pick-up site. This is called a hybrid site.
  • Hybrid sites may not operate a congregate and non-congregate meal service at the same time or for the same meal.

 

How to Apply

Returning sponsors must complete a SFSP application in the Virginia Department of Education, Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs (VDOE-SCNP) online application system for operation through summer 2024. Applications must be submitted 30 days prior to operation, and by the federal deadline of June 15, 2024.

 New organizations interested in sponsoring the SFSP must complete an extended application, including a pre-application checklist, prior to accessing the application in the online system. Pre-application checklists for new sponsors are due by April 1.

New Sponsors

For community organizations:

  1. Send inquiry email to Jon Tirk at Jon.Tirk@doe.virginia.gov
  2. Receive access to online application system SNPWeb
  3. Complete application in SNPWeb and receive final approval to operate

For School Food Authorities (SFA):

  1. Contact your SNP Regional Specialist to express interest in serving the SFSP
  2. Receive access to SFSP module and application in SNPWeb
  3. Complete application in SNPWeb and receive final approval to operate

Application Resources

Advance Request Deadlines

Any sponsor requesting an SFSP advance must have an approved SFSP application prior to the advance request deadline. All advance requests are made through the online application system. Funds provided as advances are recouped in future claims for reimbursement.

  • June advance (June 1) – May 1 deadline
  • July advance (July 15) – June 15 deadline
  • August advance (August 15) – July 15 deadline

Program Requirements

Site Eligibility

Meal Pattern

Civil Rights

Health and Food Safety

Procurement

Shareable Content

Find and download customizable materials from the USDA to promote Summer Nutrition Programs  for Kids to your community and spread more summer smiles.

Training

The VDOE-SCNP offers training videos via the articulate e-learning platform, Rise.com. Other helpful training resources can be found on Training & Resources.

Helpful Links

Reference the following links for helpful information about school and community nutrition program, nutrition education, and ongoing webinar/training opportunities.

Summer Meals Planning Guide

September/October Resources

November/December Resources

January/February Resources

May/June Resources

July/August Resources