Emergency Operation of the SFSP in Areas of the Midwest Affected by Severe Flooding

This memorandum announces the Child Nutrition Division’s policy for emergency operation of the SFSP in those areas of the Midwest recently affected by severe flooding. It applies to all operations under the SFSP, including the seamless summer component of the National School Lunch Program. We will continue to monitor the situation in those areas, and to provide updates as appropriate.

During the summer of 2008, in those areas devastated by severe flooding, or where significant numbers of persons displaced by the disaster are being housed, state agencies (SAs) may waive area eligibility requirements for any individual sponsor or site, including those previously approved sites that must relocate. SAs may approve sponsor or site applications submitted after the regulatory deadline and up to 30 days after the start of operations for sponsors wishing to establish new operations in affected areas.

In those areas devastated by severe storms and flooding that have experienced a disruption in the normal availability of foods, appropriate flexibility in meeting the meal pattern requirements may be considered on a case by case basis. Requests for meal pattern waivers should be submitted to the appropriate regional office.

Finally, during the summer of 2008, in those areas devastated by severe flooding, claims for May and/or June reimbursement may be submitted up to 90 days after the end of a month’s operation (e.g., June reimbursement claims may be filed until Sept. 30, 2008) without a request for waiver of the 60-day deadline due to good cause.

If there are any questions concerning this policy, SAs should contact their regional office.

CYNTHIA LONG
Director
Child Nutrition Division