Summer Food Service Program Component

The Summer Food Service Program provides sponsoring agencies reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks at sites that meet eligibility requirements when school is not in session. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the program at the national and regional levels. In Ohio, child nutrition programs are administered by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW).

Who is eligible to apply?

• Public or private nonprofit school food authorities;
• Public or private nonprofit summer camps;
• Units of local, municipal, county, tribal or State governments;
• Public or private colleges or universities which are currently participating in the National Youth Sports and Precollege Programs; and
• Private nonprofit organizations (special considerations and restriction apply).

Amount of Funds Available

The SFSP is a reimbursement program. The actual amount earned by a sponsor is based on the number of meals served, by type, and in some cases, the individual eligibility of the child served.

Information about Summer Food Service Program Component

• Ohio Summer Food Service Program Overview 
• Data for Free and Reduced Price Meal Eligibility
• Reimbursement Rates
• ​Summer Food Service Program Fact Sheets
• 2025-2026 Claim Due Dates
• Turnip the Beet Awards

Training Resources

• Administration Guide
• SFSP Brighton Online Training Instructions
• Ohio Child Nutrition Training Courses
• CRRS Training Registration Instructions

Claims Reimbursement and Reporting System (CRRS)

System used by schools and community agencies enrolled in USDA Child Nutrition Programs through DEW to submit required data and apply for meal reimbursements.

• Claims Reimbursement and Reporting System (CRRS) site​
  • CRRS Sponsor User Manual for SFSP
• Completing the Summer Food Service Program Application Packet in the Claims Reimbursement and Reporting System (CRRS) - Video Tutorial

The Rural Non-Congregate Option for Summer Meal Program Operators

Certain rural areas can now distribute nutritious meals to kids outside of the typically required group (congregate) settings through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO). Approved program operators in low income, rural areas can use alternate service models that are tailored to the needs of the children and communities they serve.

• USDA Rural Designation Map
• Non-congregate Summer Meal Service

Civil Rights

• Civil Rights Training
• Filing a Civil Rights Complaint.pdf
• Nondiscrimination Statement

Food Procurement

Current food procurement templates are available in the Claims Reimbursement and Reporting System. Go to Applications, then Download Forms.

Guidance, Handbooks, Regulations, and Policy Memorandums

For the most recent guidance and resources, handbooks, legislation, policy memos, and regulation updates on the Summer Food Service Program, visit the USDA Food Nutrition Service websites linked above.

Ohio Policy Memorandums:

• SFSP Administration Guide
• Summer Food Service Program Application Deadlines
• Food Service Management Company (FSMC) On-Site Reviews
• Ohio Fiscal Action Policy 
• One-time Exception Policy for Claim Submissions
• Nonprofit and For-profit Single Audit Policy
• Ohio Rural Non-Congregate Guide and FAQ
• Sites Operating in Close Proximity
• Criteria for Sites with Operational Problems
• Guidelines for Donated Foods
• Ohio SFSP Submission of Full Management Plans
• Appeal Procedures

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
 Non-Discrimination Statement

Last Modified: 1/23/2026 2:23:31 PM

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