Policy Memo (263.39 KB)
| DATE: | November 12, 2015 | |
| POLICY MEMO: | SP07 SFSP07-2016 | |
| SUBJECT: | Local Foods and Related Activities in Summer Meal Programs, with Questions and Answers | |
| TO: | Regional Directors Special Nutrition Programs All Regions |
State Directors Child Nutrition Programs All States |
The purpose of this memorandum and attached questions and answers is to provide guidance on the incorporation of local foods and nutrition and agriculture-based activities in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO), collectively referred to as summer meal programs.
Local foods can play an important role in creating and promoting a healthy environment for children. A growing body of research demonstrates several positive impacts of serving local foods and providing food education through child nutrition programs, including increased participation and engagement in meal programs, consumption of healthier options, and support of local economies. There is also a well-established public interest in supporting local and regional food systems, and a growing interest in aligning local foods sources with summer meal programs. Program sponsors, administrators, and partners are therefore encouraged to use local foods as a means to enhance summer meal operations.
State agencies are reminded to distribute this information to program operators immediately. Program operators should direct any questions regarding this memorandum to the appropriate state agency. State agency contact information is available at http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm. State agencies should direct questions to the appropriate FNS regional office.
| Angela Kline Director Policy and Program Development Division Child Nutrition Programs |
Deborah Kane Director Office of Community Food Systems Child Nutrition Programs |