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Seamless Summer Option

Seamless Summer Option

The Summer Seamless Option (SSO) combines features of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the School Breakfast Program (SBP), and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Traditionally, Seamless Summer Option is restricted to summer vacation periods and, for year-round schools, long school vacation periods for eligible school sites. NSLP meal patterns, program requirements, and reimbursement rates are followed.  Once approved, Sponsors serve meals free of charge to children, age 18 years and under. All reimbursable meals served to eligible children are claimed at the free reimbursement rate.

Visit the SNP training page to view available trainings on this topic.

Assigned Child Nutrition Specialist Sponsor 

Serving SSO in School Year 2021-2022

Due to COVID-19, USDA released a number of waivers effective for school year 2021-22. Effective the last regular school day of 2022 or no later than June 30, 2022, waiver COVID–19: Child Nutrition Response #85 will expire. The waiver allowed Sponsors to operate SSO during SY 21-22, regardless of its location or the type of SSO site it is operating. Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Program has developed resources to communicate the transition of summer meals from service under USDA flexibilities to the traditional congregate service model.

"Reconnecting with Summer Meals" 2022 Communications Toolkit

(Translations of materials coming soon)

Key Messages - Share these key messages with education, school leaders and administrators in your community to promote and inform them of the summer meals programs. 

​​Key Messages for educators and school leaders

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Media Posts - Copy and post these social media messages on your media platforms to promote and inform families and the community about summer meals.

​Social Media Posts


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Transition Letter Template - Download and customize this letter to send to families and the community, notiying them of the changes in summer meals programs.

​​Summer Meals Family Letter Template




Signage - Post these signs at your sites to explain the transition to traditional summer meal site rules.

Site Rule Signage with Graphics 

General Site Rule Signage with fillable spaces

Specific Site Rules Signage with fillable spaces








Documenting Program Eligibility

School Food Authorities (SFAs) participating in the NSLP or SBP are eligible to apply for the Seamless Summer Option. Site eligibility requirements are the same as for SFSP.

 

The types of sites allowed to participate in this option include: 

  • Open sites: all children eat free in communities.
  • Restricted open sites: sites that meet the open site criteria, explained above, but are later restricted for safety, control, or security reasons with state agency approval. The sponsor must publicize that the site is open on a first-come, first-served basis to all community children, but participation will be limited.
  • Closed enrolled sites: may be in any community for an enrolled group.
  • Migrant sites: serving children of migrant families.
  • Camps: residential or non-residential camps.

Meal Pattern

Sponsors must follow the NSLP and SBP meal pattern when serving SSO meals. 

Reimbursement Rates - Coming Soon for Summer 2022

USDA releases reimbursement rates annually, typically in June for School Nutrition Programs.

Helpful Documents

For additional information or questions, contact the Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs by Email: ODE School Nutrition or Phone: 503-947-5894.