Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
What is the Summer Food Service Program?
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is designed to ensure children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. SFSP sponsors must provide the program to all eligible participants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. The program serves individuals 18 years and younger in communities of need.
See the No Kid Hungry Summer Meals Fact Sheet and SFSP Overview to learn more about the program.
Summer Meals Planning Guide
September/October Resources
- Summer Meal Service Feedback Survey (Word)
- Meal Gap Analysis Spreadsheet (XLSX)
- Customizable Thank You Cards (Word)
- Customizable Thank You Cards (alternate accessible version) (Word)
November/December Resources
- Goals Setting Worksheet (PDF)
- Goals Setting Worksheet (Word) (alternate accessible version)
- Group Facilitation Guide (PDF)
- Group Facilitation Guide (Word) (alternate accessible version)
January/February Resources
- SFSP Five-Day Menu (PDF)
- SFSP Five-Day Menu (Word) (alternate accessible version)
- SFSP Seven-Day Menu (PDF)
- SFSF Seven-Day Menu (Word) (alternate accessible version)
May/June Resources
July/August Resources
How to Apply
Returning sponsors must complete a SFSP application in the Virginia Department of Education, Office of School and Community Nutrition Program’s (VDOE-SCNP) online application system for operation through summer 2024.
Applications must be submitted 30 days prior to operation, and by the federal deadline of June 15, 2024.
New organizations interested in sponsoring the SFSP must complete an extended application, including a pre-application checklist, prior to accessing the application in the online system. Pre-application checklists for new sponsors are due by April 1.
New Sponsors
For community organizations:
- Send inquiry email to Maggie Parker at Maggie.Parker@doe.virginia.gov
- Complete pre-application checklist and send to your CNP Regional Specialist
- Receive access to online application system SNPWeb
- Complete application in SNPWeb and receive final approval to operate
For School Food Authorities (SFA):
- Contact your SNP Regional Specialist to express interest in serving the SFSP
- Receive access to SFSP module and application in SNPWeb
- Complete application in SNPWeb and receive final approval to operate
Application Resources
- Pre-Application Checklist (Word)
- Application Webinar PowerPoint Presentation (PPT)
- Mapping Tool: use this mapping tool to identify areas of greatest need in your community
Advance Request Deadlines
Any sponsor requesting an SFSP advance must have an approved SFSP application prior to the advance request deadline. All advance requests are made through the online application system. Funds provided as advances are recouped in future claims for reimbursement.
- June advance (June 1) – May 1 deadline
- July advance (July 15) – June 15 deadline
- August advance (August 15) – July 15 deadline
Program Requirements
Site Eligibility
- Area Eligibility Map
- Determine Site Eligibility (Word)
- 2023-2024 Income Eligibility Guidelines (Word)
Meal Pattern
Civil Rights
- VDOE 2023 Civil Rights Training through Virtual Virginia
- Institute of Child Nutrition Civil Rights in Child Nutrition Programs Course
- Civil Rights Training 2022 (PPT)
- Civil Rights Training Record Sample (Word)
Health and Food Safety
Procurement
Program Monitoring
Outreach Toolkit
Promote the SFSP to your community using this Outreach Toolkit created by No Kid Hungry. Find social media graphics and posts, website blurbs, customizable flyers, letters to parents, bulletin inserts, and FAQs.
Training
The VDOE-SCNP offers training videos via the articulate e-learning platform, Rise.com. Other helpful training resources can be found on Training & Resources.
Helpful Links
Reference the following links for helpful information about school and community nutrition program, nutrition education, and ongoing webinar/training opportunities.
- 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
- Accommodating Children with Special Dietary Needs in School Nutrition Programs
- Biosecurity Checklist for SFSP
- Eligibility Manual for School Meals
- Institute for Child Nutrition
- School Nutrition Association
- School Nutrition Association of Virginia
- Society for Nutrition Education
- USDA MyPlate
- USDA Team Nutrition Healthy Schools
- USDA Team Nutrition Resource Library