Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas: Q&A #3

On January 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued policy memorandum SFSP 03-2025, SP 08-2025: Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas: Questions and Answers #3.

This is the third set of questions and answers issued by USDA on the rural non-congregate meal service option and the intent of this policy memorandum is to provide additional clarification on the following operational topics: (a) meal service and quality, (b) civil rights requirements, and (c) monitoring and program integrity.

You can review the USDA policy memorandum .

A management bulletin will not be forthcoming.

The California Department of Education (CDE) recognizes that program operators have many questions about rural non-congregate meal service. Additional guidance can be found on the CDE web page. Our web page and frequently asked questions have been updated to reflect the most current information.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding this subject, please contact the Summer Nutrition Programs and Grants Unit by email at SFSP@cde.ca.gov.

Questions: Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609

Last Reviewed: Monday, February 10, 2025

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