This recorded session gives a brief overview of USDA’s partnership with Nutri-Link, discusses how the new SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) application works, and describes how the application can supplement state and ITO efforts to certify eligible children for Summer EBT benefits.
On April 25, 2024, FNS published the final rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This rule includes minor updates to the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program to better align Child Nutrition Program requirements. These updates represent continued progress toward supporting the nutrition quality of school meals, strengthening the Child Nutrition Programs, and advancing USDA’s commitment to nutrition security.
Questions and answers regarding why the SFSP is important and how it operates.
Tribal nations, state agencies, site sponsors, and program operators can use the following resources to help administer the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) SUN Meals or SUN Meals To-Go (non-congregate) options.
USDA, in partnership with Nutri-Link Technologies, Inc., is developing an online application to make it easier for families to apply for Summer EBT benefits and easier for states to run the new program.
Provisions in the final rule that could impact CACFP and/or SFSP.
Provides an overview and step-by-step process for how to complete the meal claim validation process. This memorandum includes two attachments. Attachment 1 provides a flow chart on conducting a meal claim validation. Attachment 2 provides an example.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 authorized Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) as a permanent federal food assistance entitlement program beginning in summer 2024. Summer EBT has been tested through evaluations of demonstration projects since 2011. With pending implementation of this new program, this is an appropriate time to reflect on what USDA, FNS research has learned through more than a decade of study.
FNS published this recorded webinar on Feb. 28, 2024 for state agencies. The webinar includes a summary of the new memos released in Sept. 2023 and goes into detail about best practices for unused reimbursements and site proximity.
This guidance updates previously issued questions and answers to clarify the rural non-congregate summer meals option established through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, and codified through the interim final rulemaking, Establishing the Summer EBT Program and Rural Non-congregate Option in the Summer Meal Programs.