Policy Memo (69.16 KB)
| DATE: | May 23, 2000 |
| SUBJECT: | Categorical Eligibility of Job Training Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act Participants in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) |
| TO: | Regional Directors Special Nutrition Programs All Regions |
This memorandum permits sponsors to consider children 18 years of age and younger who participate in the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) program as categorically eligible for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Please note that as of July 2000, JTPA will be replaced with a program called the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) (PL 105-220) which embodies several key principles. One of these principles is designed to improve youth programs linked to local labor market needs and community youth programs and services.
Basic information on the JTPA/WIA and eligibility:
- Individuals eligible to participate in JTPA/WIA are: (a) age 14 to 21; (b) low income individuals as defined by Department of Labor (DOL) and (c) within one or more of certain categories such as deficient in basic literacy skills; school dropout; homeless; runaways or foster child; pregnant or parenting; offender; or individuals (including a youth with a disability) who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program, or to secure and hold employment.
- The JTPA/WIA application does not, however, include all sources of income such as unemployment compensation, child support payments, old-age or survivors insurance benefits received under the Social Security Act (Section 202, 42 USC 402).
What documentation is required for SFSP participation?
Although the JTPA/WIA discounts some types of income that are included as sources of income under child nutrition program rules, based on our review of DOL’s criteria, virtually all participants would meet the free meal guidelines under the SFSP. Therefore, for purposes of SFSP eligibility, only children 18 years of age and younger would be eligible, and the sponsor must have one of the following on file:
- a signed free and reduced price SFSP meal application with a notation that the individual is a JTPA/WIA participant; or
- a list containing the names and ages of individual JTPA/WIA participants enrolled at that site and signed by a JTPA/WIA official.
STANLEY C. GARNETT
Director
Child Nutrition Division