Public Notification: Summer Food Service Program Waiver Requests

Published on Monday, March 09, 2020

The Rhode Island Department of Education plans on submitting a waiver request for certain program requirements related to the service of meals under the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) during times of unanticipated school closures related to the COVID-19 virus. Waivers will apply to the following requirements:

• Service at Non-School Sites – Currently, SFSP meals can be served during unanticipated school closures only at non-school sites. This waiver would allow for the service of SFSP meals at eligible school and non-school sites for closures related to COVID-19.



• Congregate Feeding – This waiver would allow SFSP meals to be served in a non-congregate setting during times of unanticipated school closures related to COVID-19.  



If granted, these waivers will allow for flexibilities in meals served under the SFSP during times of unanticipated school closures related to COVID-19. The goal of these waivers is to provide on-going food access to Rhode Island’s youth while preventing the spread of the coronavirus in the event of a public health emergency.  If granted, the waivers will enable sponsors to provide continued broad access to free meals for Rhode Island’s children.



For more information on the program, call the Rhode Island Department of Education, Office of Statewide Efficiencies, Child Nutrition Programs at (401) 222-4253 or (401) 222-4698.”