Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 591 - RULES OF BRIGHT FROM THE START GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CARE AND LEARNING
Chapter 591-2
Subject 591-2-1 - GRANT DESCRIPTIONS
Rule 591-2-1-.03 - Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

(1) General Scope and Purpose: The SFSP is a USDA Child Nutrition Program designed to feed nutritious meals to children from needy areas during periods when schools are closed for vacation. The program operates through Bright from the Start approved sponsors that administer the approved sites that feed children free of charge. Bright from the Start reimburses approved sponsors for serving meals that meet federal nutritional guidelines.

(2) General Terms and Conditions: Each sponsoring organization is required to attend training and re-apply for the program each year. The vast majority of approved sponsors operate the program during the summer months. The program also allows for the service of meals in year-round schools during breaks. The school must be closed for a minimum of fifteen days to be eligible to serve meals during these breaks or to provide meals during times of emergency when the school is closed.

(3) Eligible Recipients: Organizations wishing to participate in the SFSP must be public or private non-profit organizations, including churches or faith based organizations, government entities, colleges/universities, school systems or National Youth Sports Programs (NYSP). Private non-profit organizations must be tax-exempt under the IRS Code of 1986. SFSP sites may be located in a school, community center, park, or summer camp. The children served in this program must be 18 years of age or younger. A person 19 years of age and over who has a mental or physical impairment and who participates in a public or private non-profit school program during the year may also be served by this program.

(4) Application Process: Applications are available upon completion of the required training. Interested organizations must contact Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, Attention: Application Specialist, 2 Martin Luther King Jr., Drive, SE, Suite 670 East Tower, Atlanta, Georgia, 30334. Interested organizations can contact 404-657-1779 for information on training registration. All accurately completed applications will be processed by Bright from the Start within thirty days of receipt.

(5) Approximate Time to Apply: Applications are generally available in the late winter and early spring, from January 1st to April 16th. Programs generally operate during the months of May through August.

(6) Criteria for Grant Award: The approval process includes the determination of eligibility for both the sponsor and its intended sites. Sites should be located in low income areas where 50% or more of the children residing in the area are eligible for free or reduced price school meals. Once sites have been determined eligible, Bright from the Start must review and approve the submitted budget based on the organization's operational capacity and financial capability. This approval process may require an onsite visit to determine the sponsor's ability to successfully operate the program and the validity of anticipated number of meals to be served.

(7) Calculation of Payments: Sponsors submit claims on a monthly basis to report the number of meals served during the month. Sponsors will be reimbursed for meals served during the month at a rate established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture each year.

(8) Length of Award: Grants are for the school vacation period or the duration of the sponsoring organization's program time frame. Generally SFSP programs operate for three months.

(9) Authority: Federal Code Title 7 USDA: CFR Chapter 11 part 225; O.C.G.A. 20-1A-4