On October 9th, USDA extended waivers for the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) allowing these programs to continue to operate through June 30, 2021. Operating months on the SSO or SFSP Sponsor Application can be updated to reflect operating days through June 30, 2021. Waivers are in the process of being posted to PEARS Download Forms COVID-19 Section for the respective program and the Division of Food and Nutrition is in the process of updating the waiver summary chart which will also be posted on PEARS Download Forms COVID-19 Section.
School Food Authorities are reminded they can operate the National School Lunch Program/School Breakfast Program, SSO, or SFSP regardless of the instructional model being used; 100% in-person, virtual or hybrid. The respective sponsor application must be submitted and approved in order to claim meals in the respective program.
Regulations establish that SFAs have the priority for providing meals during this time. In order for non-SFA sponsors to provide meal service at this time, they must have discussion with their local SFA(s) and the local SFA must agree that there is a gap in meal service that the non-SFA can fill. The communication between the SFA and non-SFA must then be submitted to PDE in writing before PDE will consider approving the non-SFA to serve meals.