Submit Comments on USDA’s Proposed Summer Food Service Program Rule by April 22

USDA-FNS recently issued Streamlining Program Requirements and Improving Integrity in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a proposed rule that would simplify and clarify SFSP program requirements.

The proposed rule includes a number of positive provisions that will support SFSP sponsors, including streamlining monitoring and application requirements for experienced sponsors and codifying many existing program flexibilities that had been available through nationwide waivers. The proposed rule also includes a few provisions that could be strengthened and improved, such as the new requirements for first week site visits.

Tell USDA that SFSP is critical to closing the summer nutrition gap for low-income children in your community who lose access to school meals when the school year ends, and that the proposed rule overall would help expand the reach of summer meals; strengthen your summer meals programs; and support the health and well-being of children and families in your community.

Program providers and advocates should submit comments by April 22, detailing the impact the proposed rule would have on the ability of sponsors to operate strong, financially viable programs that are in compliance with program rules and requirements.

Please modify the language in FRAC’s model comment letter to reflect your own thoughts and experiences so that each submission counts as a unique comment.

Find additional resources to help you craft your message:

• FRAC Model Comment letter;
• FRAC Summer Nutrition Status Report (data); and
• FRAC Summer Nutrition and Enrichment Programs: Effective Tools to Support Child Food Security, Health, and Learning During the Summertime.

We ask that you modify the language to reflect your own thoughts and experiences so that each submitted comment counts as a unique comment. Comment limit: 5,000 characters.