SNP Memo #2017-2018-32

TO:Directors, Supervisors, and Contact Persons Addressed

FROM:Sandy C. Curwood, PhD, RDN, Sandy

Director, School Nutrition Programs

DATE:February 16, 2018

SUBJECT:Information Regarding the FY18 Summer Food Service Program

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) looks forward to administering the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and building relationships with a shared goal of ensuring that all children across the Commonwealth have access to nutritious foods both during school and when school is not in session.

Streamlining

In an effort to increase program capacity and efficiency for school nutrition programs, VDOE hasstreamlined opportunities across all Child Nutrition Programs. School Nutrition Program (SNP) Specialists will be the points of contact for the SFSP for school divisions and will provide technical assistance, manage applications, and conduct trainings. Additionally, the agency is combining the SFSP administrative reviews with Federal Program Administrative Reviews (FPARs) to reduce the burden on the divisions.

SFSP and VDOE updates, as well as USDA policy changes will continue to be disseminated via director’s memos, published by Sandy Curwood, Director of the Office of School Nutrition Programs.

Spring Regional Meetings

This year’s Spring Regional Meetings will focus on the Summers Meals Programs. This meeting is the SNP Spring Regional meeting and will include an update on regulations as well as SNP office hours with the SNP Regional Specialists. SFAs are not required to attend SFSP training, however VDOE encourages attendance, as streamlining opportunities will be further discussed and attendees will have the opportunity to network with non-school sponsors and become familiar with the new application process. Please see Attachment A for meeting dates and location.

FY 17-18 Applications

VDOE has developed a SFSP module in SNPWeb for storing and managing SFSP application and reimbursements. VDOE anticipates the SFSP module of SNPWeb to be available on April 16, 2018 and will inform sponsors once this is confirmed.

Applications must be submitted 30 days prior to program operation; VDOE will not retroactively reimburse sponsors for meals served prior to approval. If applying for advance payments, please adhere to the submission deadlines below:

  • May 2 for a June 1 advance
  • June 15 for a July 15 advance
  • July 16 for an August 15 advance

The federal deadline to submit an SFSP application is June 15. Information regarding training opportunities for SNPWeb will follow at a later date.

Please do not hesitate to contact your assigned SNP Specialist with any questions regarding this memo and attached documents, or general programmatic questions. VDOE looks forward to a successful SFSP season and working together to ensure access to healthy foods to all children in Virginia.

SCC/tc

Attachments

  • Attachment A: Spring Regional Meetings