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SFSP Simplified Procedures

As reported in a recent Information Alert, the 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, (signed into law on December 26, 2007) allows Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sponsors to implement cost accounting procedures commonly known as the “Simplified” Summer Food Service Program. Beginning January 1, 2008, all SFSP sponsors will receive the maximum amount of “meals multiplied by rates” operating and administrative reimbursement without the need to report actual costs. Sponsors may combine their reimbursement to pay for any allowable costs whether operating or administrative.

All SFSP sponsors and agencies interested in becoming a sponsor can obtain the Nationwide Expansion of SFSP Simplified Cost Accounting Procedures at the following Web site:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/summer/states/Simplified_Summer.html (Outside Source)

Under these new procedures:

• Sponsors do not have to report their costs to the State agency, although they must maintain records for the State agency’s review.
• Costs do not have to be categorized as “operational” or “administrative.”
• Reimbursement is based on the amount of meals multiplied by rates without reporting actual costs. 

The Importance of Sound Program Management

The purpose of the “simplified” SFSP procedures is to facilitate and encourage participation by eligible sponsors in order to reach more hungry children in the summer months and other times during the year when they do not have access to school meals. Elimination of the cost comparison reduces administrative tasks and ensures a stable per meal reimbursement rate, thus making it easier for sponsors to participate. With the implementation of these reduced program requirements, it is critical that states and sponsors practice sound program management to ensure that the integrity of the SFSP is preserved. State agencies can ensure this through careful selection of applicants, thorough training efforts especially directed to new sponsors, diligent program monitoring, and prompt follow-up where problems are found.  Local program sponsors can help ensure this through maintaining high quality administrative oversight and meal service.

Agencies and school districts interested in becoming SFSP sponsors must attend training.

For National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program sponsors, attached are the Summer Food Service Program and the National School Lunch Program’s Seamless Summer Option Administrative Comparison and Reimbursement Rate Comparison charts. Please go to the following Web site to obtain additional information regarding each program’s reimbursement rates:

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu

Private nonprofit and government agencies may disregard the program and rate comparison information.

If you have any questions regarding the SFSP, please contact Melissa Garza, Program Specialist, Community Nutrition Programs Unit, at 916-322-5885 or by e-mail at mgarza@cde.ca.gov. You may also contact Patty Atherton, Program Specialist, Community Nutrition Programs Unit, at 916-324-7133, or by e-mail at patherto@cde.ca.gov.

If you have any questions regarding the Seamless Summer Feeding Option, please contact Laurie Patterson, Program Specialist, School Nutrition Programs Unit, at 916-445-4851 or by e-mail at lpatterson@cde.ca.gov. You may also contact Eva Lopez-Contreras, Program Specialist, School Nutrition Programs Unit, at 916-445-7359 or by e-mail at econtrer@cde.ca.gov.

You may also contact your Nutrition Services Division, Field Services Consultant at
916-445-0850. You may contact your Field Services Consultant or any of the Program Specialists listed above by calling toll-free at 800-952-5609.

Attachments

1. Administrative Comparison Chart (DOC; 100KB; 4pp.)
2. Reimbursement Rate Comparison Chart (DOC; 47KB, 1p.)
3. Training Workshop Registration Form [Note: this web document is no longer available.]

Summer Food Service Program
and the National School Lunch Program's Seamless Summer Feeding Option
Reimbursement Rate Comparison Chart

Below are comparison charts of the Seamless Summer Feeding Option (Seamless Option) versus the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) reimbursement rates as of February 2008. When using these comparisons, please note the following:

• The Seamless Option reimbursement rates are effective through June 30, 2008. As displayed, the rate includes both the Federal meal reimbursement and the additional $0.2195 California State meal reimbursement. This rate is available to Charter schools, school districts, and county superintendents of schools participating in the federal meal programs for the free/reduced price (F/RP) lunches and breakfasts they serve.1 For detailed information regarding the Seamless Option reimbursement rates, see http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/rs/rates0708.asp.
• The SFSP operating and administrative reimbursement rates are combined here for comparison and effective January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008.

1Agencies other than Charter schools, school districts, and county superintendents of schools (except RCCIs), receive a reduced State reimbursement rate of $0.1634.

2This number represents the increased or decreased per meal reimbursements for sponsors who participate in the SFSP instead of the Seamless Option. Except for the Especially Needy Breakfast, all reimbursement amounts are greater under the SFSP.