United States
Department of
Agriculture
Food and
Nutrition
Service
3101 Park
Center Drive
Alexandria, VA
22302-1500
MEMO CODE:
SFSP 07-2008
DATE:
June 19, 2008
SUBJECT:
Emergency Operation of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in
Areas of the Midwest Affected by Severe Flooding
TO:
Special Nutrition Programs
All Regions
State Agencies
Child Nutrition Programs
Affected States
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., J