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Seamless Summer Option (SSO)

Information about the federal Seamless Summer Option opportunity that allows public schools to combine features of the School Nutrition Programs and the Summer Food Service Program along with reduced paperwork requirements.

Overview

The SSO is a federal and state funded program for school food authorities (SFA) participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) that provides meals in low-income areas during the summer. The SSO combines features of the NSLP, SBP, and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). SFAs may operate the SSO at community or recreational centers, libraries, camps, schools, and other eligible summer meal sites. Participating in the SSO reduces paperwork and administrative burdens, making it easier for SFAs to feed children in low-income areas during traditional summer vacation periods and during school vacation periods of more than ten days for year-round schools.

Announcements

Summer Meal Programs Announcements

The California Department of Education (CDE) provides all announcements relating to the Summer Meal Programs on the CDE Nutrition What's New web page. Announcement topics include policy requirements, management bulletins, disaster information, food recalls, trainings, funding opportunities, recognition programs, and more.

SSO Application Submissions

To apply for the SSO, SFAs must update their Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS) account by adding participating sites to the Seamless Summer Option site applications link for each proposed site that the SFA plans to operate under the SSO. The CDE must approve all sites. Applications are encouraged to be submitted in CNIPS by May 15 or 30 days prior to the start of your SSO program.

In addition, the CDE is required under federal regulations to ensure that all program operators accurately report their site service information in CNIPS. Therefore, if an SFA incorrectly reports their service information, the CDE may disallow all meals served at that site. This information is also used to populate the site finder information on the California (CA) Meals for Kids mobile application as well as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Sun Meals web page External link opens in new window or tab. and CDE Summer Meal Service Sites web page, so it is important that the information reported on SSO site applications is accurate. If you have any questions regarding the status of your SSO sites, please contact the Summer Nutrition Programs and Grants Unit by email at SSFO@cde.ca.gov to be directed to your SSO specialist.

Reminder: To ensure all program requirements are met, please consult with your program specialist prior to beginning meal service.

 

 

Questions:   Summer Nutrition Programs and Grants Unit | SSFO@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
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