The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is seeking sponsors for the 2021 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Summer meal sites serve children and youth age 18 and under meals at no cost in a safe environment. The meals are also available to persons over age 18 with mental or physical disabilities. Sites may be located in a variety of settings including schools, parks, community centers, libraries, churches, and more.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an extension of waivers that increase access for more children and make it easier and safer to serve meals during the pandemic. The waivers allow for safe meal distribution at all approved sites to all children for free, regardless of income. In addition, the waivers:
- Allow meals served through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) – collectively known as “summer meal programs” – to be made available in all areas at no cost;
- Allow meals to be served outside of the normally required group settings and meal times; and
- Allow parents and guardians to pick up meals for their children, including bulk pickup to cover multiple days of meals.
These flexibilities are available through September 30, 2021.
Requirements
Meals must meet USDA meal pattern requirements. Sponsors may prepare their own meals or purchase them from a school district or food service management company. Sponsors are reimbursed for eligible meals served.
Each site may serve each child up to two meals per day. Sites serving primarily migrant children and residential camp sites may serve each child up to three meal types per day.
Information regarding training for new sponsors interested in participating during summer 2021 will be released soon. Applications will be available mid-spring.
Institutions may apply for the program or get more information by emailing summermeals@k12.wa.us, or by mailing Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, Washington 98504–7200.
