Summer Meals & Menus

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also known as summer meals, is a federally funded nutrition program designed to provide healthy meals to children and youth under the age of 18 during the summer months when school is not in session.

The SFSP is administered by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which sets program policies, regulations, and payment rates. In Minnesota, the SFSP is administered by the state's Department of Education (MDE).

At the local level, approved sponsors such as school districts, local government agencies, camps, or private nonprofit organizations operate SFSP sites and provide free meals to children at a central location such as a school or community center. Through their state agencies, these sponsors receive reimbursement from the USDA for the reimbursable meals they serve.

In Owatonna, the Owatonna Public School’s, Nutrition Services Department acts as the SFSP sponsor for the sites listed above. By participating in SFSP, children, and youth have access to nutritious meals during the summer, promoting their health and well-being all summer long!

An SFSP meal service site is a physical location where approved sponsors provide free summer meals to children. These sites must be approved by the state agency, and are the only locations where sponsors can provide free meals to qualifying children. 

SFSP meal sites are determined based on a variety of factors, including the need for the program in a particular area, the capabilities of sponsors, and the ability to provide meals in a safe and supervised setting.

To become an SFSP meal site, sponsors must apply and be approved by the state agency. The state agency evaluates the need for the program in the area, and approves sites that are located in areas that are considered low-income or "area eligible".

In order to determine if a location is area-eligible, various data sources may be used, including school data, census data, household income statements, local school district determinations, and public housing data. For example, a site may be considered area eligible if at least 50% of the students enrolled in the local public school are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Once a site is established as area eligible, the designation remains in effect for five years. 

Under the regulations of the Summer Food Service Program, meals must be served in a congregate setting and consumed by participants on site. This is in part to ensure that the meals are not being taken away from the intended recipient and to prevent misuse of the program. But more importantly, eating meals on-site helps to create a sense of community and connection among the children who participate in the program. By gathering together to eat, children can socialize and build relationships with their peers, which can help to combat social isolation and promote positive mental health outcomes.

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

Under the regulations of the Summer Food Service Program, sponsors are required to serve breakfast and lunch during designated meal times. Meals served outside of these approved time periods are not in compliance with program policies and regulations.

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. 

In March 2022 the 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.

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.