Successful Non-Congregate Meal Service Models for Rural Areas: Implementation Guide
In approved states beginning summer 2023, Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and NSLP Seamless Summer Option (SSO) sponsors can operate non-congregate programs in rural communities without access to a congregate meal site.
For more information, check out USDA's guidance:
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USDA's Implementation Guidance for Summer 2023 Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas
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Q&A #2: Summer 2023 Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas
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Offering Multiple Meals as Part of the Non-Congregate Meal Service
This resource outlines effective models for non-congregate meal service. Use this guide to find strategies and tactics to execute a successful non-congregate summer meals program in your rural community.
Please reach out to your state agency to confirm the availability of non-congregate meal service and allowable models. Note: States are not required to make the non-congregate option available this summer. State agencies had to submit a plan to USDA for approval by April 1, 2023 to allow non-congregate meal service in summer 2023.
This resource includes:
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Important definitions related to non-congregate meal service and rural areas
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Considerations for non-congregate meal service
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Meal service models (descriptions, tips, and considerations)
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Drive-thru or crubside pick-up
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Walk-up distributions
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Mobile route distributions
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Direct home delivery
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Logistical considerations including equipment lists
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Communication strategies
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Tips for partnerships
You can look up a site's rural and area eligibility status with No Kid Hungry's Summer Meals Eligibility Map. The map includes area eligibility data along with rural eligibility for non-congregate meal service.
- Program
- Summer Meals
- Category
- Audiences
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