3/10 C.A.R.E. - Summer Food Service Program Newsletter

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 03/11/2025 07:32 AM PDT

Summer Food Service Program C.A.R.E.: Week of 3/10

Update: SFSP/SSO Applications Are Open!
Update: Free Meal Finder Texting Hotline Closing
Update: 2024–25 Washington Public School Data for Area Eligibility Report
Important Dates to Remember

Update: SFSP/SSO Applications Are Open!

It's time to start preparing for Summer Meals!

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) Application checklist and related documents are available on the SFSP Requirements and Materials webpage under the Application Materials drop down.

Review the 2/28 Special Update for detailed application information and a timeline to keep your application on track.

Questions? Contact your Summer Meals Program Specialist.

Upcoming Events

Register for the Summer Meals Summit!

Join OSPI and partners for a Summer Meals Summit! This one-day event will feature discussions, panels, presentations, and networking opportunities to help take your summer programs to the next level.

Yakima | March 19, 2025
Time: 8:30am-4:30pm

Update: Free Meal Finder Texting Hotline Closing

Beginning Summer 2025, the Free Meal Finder operated by No Kid Hungry will stop operating, including the 304-304 texting line, WhatsApp service, and online map. Please remove any signage referencing the 304-304 number and Free Meal Finder map.

Use the following resources to connect families with meal sites in your area and promote the Summer Meals programs.

USDA's Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder shows open congregate and non-congregate meal sites across the nation. The USDA National Hunger Hotline is operated by Hunger Free America and can be reached Monday–Friday between 5am–5pm PT.
- 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) English
- 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) Spanish
- Text "Food" or "SFSP" to 914-342-7744.
  - Texting service is automated and available 24/7.

No Kid Hungry will revise materials on their website to include a resource hub for all summer benefits, including Summer-EBT.

As summer approaches, OSPI will share updated marketing materials to promote the Summer Meals and help families find meal sites near them.

Update: 2024–25 Washington Public School Data for Area Eligibility Report

The 2024–25 Area Eligibility Report is now available. This report has been updated as of February 28, 2025.

This report may be used to establish area eligibility for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), the Seamless Summer Option (SSO), and the Afterschool Snack Program (ASP). Area eligibility may be assigned if school data indicates that the proposed meal site is located in an attendance area of a public school where at least 50% of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.

The Area Eligibility in Child Nutrition Program Reference Sheet provides more details on area eligibility.

Data from this report is also used to determine eligibility for the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program (FFVP), House Bill (HB) 1238 – Meals for Washington Students, and Breakfast After the Bell (BAB).

Questions? Please contact your Program Specialist.

Important Dates to Remember

March 19	Summer Meals Summit \| Yakima
March 31	SFSP/SSO Application Submission Deadline for June Operation
June 1	SFSP/SSO Application Submission Deadline

ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.

Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.

ADA NOTIFICATION FOR OSPI CHILD NUTRITION SERVICES EVENTS
To arrange accommodations for persons with disabilities for OSPI Child Nutrition Services events, please contact the Child Nutrition Services Team at 360-725-6200, TTY 360-664-3631, or by email, child.nutrition@k12.wa.us at least three business days before the event. Please note that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require OSPI to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.

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This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.