Seamless Summer Option (SSO)
Overview
Seamless Summer Option (SSO) is a component of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and is an administratively streamlined version of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) for schools participating in the NSLP.
Similar to the SFSP, the purpose of SSO is to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. Although only sponsored by schools, summer sites may be established in the same types of locations as the SFSP such as:
- community centers
- libraries
- parks
- pools
- and schools
Sites must be located in low-income areas and sponsors can be reimbursed for up to two meal types per day.
All meals are reimbursed at the same rate as they would if served under the NSLP to include state reimbursement and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) entitlement.
Qualifying and Applying
School Food Authorities (SFA) wishing to apply for the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) at schools already participating on the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) can do so by changing the status of the SSO on their Site Information Sheet located on CNPWeb. To offer SSO at non-school sites, or sites under the jurisdiction of another SFA, please contact the State Agency for assistance.
Comparison of Programs SFSP/NSLP/Seamless Option(External Web Content)
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
Please contact the Utah State Board of Education Child Nutrition Program (CNP) for assistance understanding qualification requirements or if you need assistance with the application
Training
Seamless Summer Option (SSO) is a continuation of the operation of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and National School Breakfast Program (NSBP) requirements, most of the training topics will be the same. Determining and documenting site eligibility for SSO is the same process as the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
Resources
Area Eligibility in Child Nutrition Programs
(External Web Content)United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
Forms
Resources
Center for Best Practices:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Food and Nutrition Service (FNS):
Reimbursement Rates
Seamless Summer Option (SSO) sponsors receive the same reimbursement rates as they would if offering meals and snacks under the National School Lunch Programs (NSLP), the National School Breakfast Programs (NSBP), and the Afterschool Snack Program (ASP).
Reimbursements for qualified sponsors/sites include:
- Severe need lunch
- Severe need breakfast
- Suppers are reimbursed at the free lunch rate (similar to lunch reimbursements under the NSLP which receive additional state reimbursements)
The total lunches and suppers served are added to the total meals served during the school year and are factored into how much USDA foods the sponsor receives. Snacks are reimbursed at the same rate as the ASP.
Reimbursement Rates
July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024
Reimbursement Claims
Claims are due to the Utah State Board of Education:
- no later than the fourth working day of each month in CNPWeb
- no later than 60 days from the end of the month being claimed
Once a claim has been submitted:
- you can amend the claim within 60 days if you are claiming additional meals
- you can amend at any time if you are claiming fewer meals
Policy
In coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) our office distributes policy memorandums to provide guidance and clarify program requirements and regulations.
Memorandum: New Bulletin Distribution Explanation
A quick tutorial on how our office structures and distributes policy.
Highlighted USDA/FNS Policy Bulletins/Memorandums
The following policy bulletins/memorandums provide urgent or highly requested content:
For all other related policy information, please refer to the Utah State Board of Education National School Lunch Program (NSLP).