Making the Most of a Moment: Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas Fact Sheet

In approved states beginning summer 2023, Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and NSLP Seamless Summer Option (SSO) sponsors can operate non-congregate meal programs in rural communities without access to a congregate meal site.

This is a moment of opportunity. The ability to provide meals to-go greatly increases access to summer meals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, program waivers and flexibilities allowed for non-congregate meals through grab and go programs, pick-up of multiple days of meals, and home delivery programs.

This resource gives an overview of the opportunity, provides important information about non-congregate meals, and outlines ways that you can support non-congregate meals in your state or region.