On Monday, the USDA announced that the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) can be operated when school is in session through as late as Dec. 31, 2020, dependent on available funding. School Food Authorities (SFAs) and nonprofit organizations now have the option to operate the SFSP during the fall months while school instruction takes place, whether that’s remote or in-person learning. The USDA is also extending several waivers for the SFSP. This means:
Sponsors can serve free meals to all children through the fall months
Meals can be provided in areas that don’t meet the 50% area eligibility when need is identified
Meals can be served outside of group settings and meal times (e.g. grab-and-go meals, multiple meals)
SFSP meal patterns may be followed and sponsors can apply for meal pattern waivers when necessary
Parents and guardians can pick up meals for their children
View these FAQs for more information on summer meals during the school year. School Nutrition will share more information as updates are available. In the meantime, sponsors can begin serving meals under the SFSP and can start tracking meals served at each meal site rather than by student eligibility. Sponsors should not enter claims under National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) until further notice.
Please note that while the students are able to eat for free as part of the extended Summer Food Service Program, districts must still have documentation (household income application, FEDs form, direct certification and extended eligibility) to support free lunch eligibility if reported as such in the Student October Count Snapshot.
Colorado COVID-19 Emergency Hunger Relief Fund open for new funding
The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger has secured additional funding for the sixth round of the COVID-19 Emergency Hunger Relief Fund. The first tier of applications is for those who are seeking emergency hunger relief funding (i.e. need to provide food and meals to individuals) with a maximum grant amount of $10,000.
Applications are now open and will be accepted until Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 5 p.m.. For more information, visit the CO Blueprint to End Hunger website.
SUMMER MEALS PROGRAM
Summer Meals Program Updates
Register for the summer meals during 2020-21 school year webinar
Register for the webinar at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16. Sponsors will learn about the recent USDA waiver extensions allowing operation of Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) when school is in session through as late as Dec. 31, 2020. Learn next steps for SFSP implementation, and ask the School Nutrition Unit questions during a live Q&A session. If you do not receive a confirmation email after registering, please work with your IT department to add admin@adobeconnect.com to your safe sender's list.
Register for the September On the Menu Call at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24. Sponsors will have the opportunity to discuss back to school implementation. The same registration link will work for each call on the last Thursday of the month. If you do not receive a confirmation email after registering, please work with your IT department to add admin@adobeconnect.com to your safe sender's list.
For questions, contact Alicia Grove or 720-795-2038.
Summer Food Program Outreach/Partner Updates
Tune into FRAC’s Webinar- USDA waiver update
The Food Research & Action Center invites child nutrition professionals and community sponsors to join its upcoming webinar to ensure access to nutritious meals this fall. Join this webinar on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m. to hear the latest updates on the USDA SFSP waiver extensions announced this week. Also learn about different models schools and communities are using to serve meals this fall.
