In some rare cases, Summer Meal Program requirements may be waived. Please complete this form to request a waiver for Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) or Seamless Summer Option (SSO). Sponsors may request the following waiver(s):
- Excessive Heat: The waivers in this section allow SFSP and SSO sponsors, in good standing, to operate outdoor meal sites without temperature-controlled alternative sites as non-congregate sites on days when the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory, an Excessive Heat Warning, or an Excessive Heat Watch for the area where the site is located.
- Air Quality Advisories: The waivers in this section allow SFSP and SSO sponsors, in good standing, to operate outdoor meal sites without alternative indoor sites as non-congregate sites on days when the area is experiencing an Air Quality Index (AQI) that reaches a “purple” flag level or higher, as indicated at https://www.airnow.gov/.
- Rural Pocket: This waiver would allow sites not located in rural areas to operate rural non-congregate service because the site is rural in nature or predominantly serves rural participants who would not otherwise have access to Summer Meals. Please note, each proposed site must be reviewed and approved by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
- Dietary Accommodation Authorized by Registered Dietitian: This waiver would allow sponsors to accept special dietary accommodations signed by registered dietitians.
Note: There is a separate waiver request form for switching to SFSP or SSO during an unanticipated school closure. For more information, please contact your Specialist.