The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also known as summer meals, is a federal nutrition program designed to ensure that all youth (18 and under) have access to healthy meals and snacks during summer break.

SFSP is administered at the Federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA decides overall program policy and publishes regulations and payment rates. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is that state agency that administers SFSP in Minnesota. 

Locally, SFSP are run by approved sponsors, including school districts, local government agencies, camps, or private nonprofit organizations. Sponsors provide free meals to a group of children at a central site, such as a school or a community center. They receive payments from USDA, through their state agencies, for the meals they serve. The Owatonna Public Schools Nutrition Services is the sponsor for those sites listed above. 

A meal service site is a physical location, approved by the State agency, where program meals are served to children and where children consume meals in a supervised setting.

Most eligible organizations provide meals to children at sites that are located within areas that are considered low income or ‘area eligible’. The following data may be used to determine if a location is area eligible.

School data: At least 50% of the students enrolled in the local public school are eligible for free or reduced-price meals

Census data: Identifies the area as low income

Other Data: Household income statements; Local school district determination; Public housing data

Once established, area eligibility remains in effect for five years. 

Under the Summer Food Service Program program regulations, meals must be served in a congregate setting and must be consumed by participants on site. 

In the March of 2020, the USDA granted a nationwide waiver enabling SFSP sponsors to serve meals in a non-congregate setting to allow for social distancing. This waiver was set to expire at the end of the 21-22 school year which is why kids and teens must be present to receive a meal and must eat the meal onsite. 

Federal Regulations: 7 CFR 225.6(e)(15); 7 CFR 226.19(b)(6)(iii)

Under the Summer Food Service Program program regulations, sponsors must serve breakfast and lunch within a designated serving time. Any meals served outside of the approved time period is not allowable under the program policies and regulations. 

In the March of 2020, the USDA granted a nationwide waiver, waiving the meal service time requirement during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This waiver allowed for the serving of meals outside of the previously established serving times. The meal time flexibility allowed us to serve multiple days worth of meals, which we referred to as bundled meals. This waiver was set to expire at the end of the 21-22 school year which is why we are no longer able to offer bundled meals. 

Federal Regulations: 7 CFR 220.8(l); 7 CFR 210.10(l)(1)

To operate the Summer Food Service Program at any given location, the site must meet area eligibility requirements. Traditionally, Lincoln Elementary has not been located within an area considered low income or 'area eligible'. As a result, we have not be able to offer free meals at Lincoln. 

Based on the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the USDA granted a national waiver which allowed sponsors to offer free meals at locations NOT considered 'area eligible'. Through this waiver, we were able to offer free meals at Lincoln Elementary during the summer of 2021. This waiver also allowed us to offer free meals to all students during the 20-21 and 21-22 school year. 

As of March 2022,  USDA did not receive authorization to extend the community eligibility waiver, therefore, Lincoln Elementary is not eligible as a SFSP site. As a result, we are unable able to offer free meals at Lincoln Elementary. In addition, we will not be able to offer free meals to all students in the upcoming, 22-23 school year. 

Concerned about school meal prices for the 22-23 school year? Fill out the Application of Educational Benefits today! If your student(s) qualify, they may be eligible for free meals. 

Use these resources to find an Summer Food Service Program site near you:

• Download the Free Meals for Kids app provided by Hunger Impact Partners to your phone or device.
• Call the 211 Hotline. From a cell phone – Twin Cities Metro Area: 651-291-0211, Greater Minnesota: 1-800-543-7709, TTY: 651-291-8440.
• Call the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 1-888-711-1151 (Available Monday - Friday, 10 AM -5 PM) 
• Text Summer Meals to 914-342-7744. Spanish speakers, text Verano to 914-342-7744.