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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, School Food Authorities serve meals free of charge to children, age 18 years and under. All reimbursable meals servered to eligible children are reimbursed at the free reimbursement rate.

Assigned Child Nutrition Specialist

Marketing Materials

Determining Program Eligibility

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

Site Types:

The types of sites availiable in SSO 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
  • SFSP Site Type Comparison Chart - This chart provides guidance on the difference site types. Summer Meal Programs differences between SSO, SFSP and NSLP. 

Meal Pattern

Sponsors must follow the NSLP and SBP and SNLP Snack meal patterns when servieing SSO meals.   

Reimbursement Rates

USDA releases reimbursement rates annually, typically in June for School Nutrition Programs. The Fiscal Year for SSO reimbursement runs from July 1 - June 30.