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                USDA.gov Timeline for Enhancing USDA Summer Nutrition Programs
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              Summer Nutrition ProgramsResource type
          Technical Assistance & Guidance
    A healthier future for our country begins with our children. With new authorities from Congress – and in close collaboration with states, territories, tribes, schools, and countless other dedicated partners – USDA can now ensure every child has the nourishment they need throughout the summer.The following timeline outlines key milestones for FNS, states, and tribes as we work together to implement new flexibilities in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) as well as stand up the new Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program (Summer EBT). Together, we can end childhood summer hunger.Key Milestones 2023FNSAction2023TimelineState, Territory and/or TribalActionIssue non-congregate meals guidance (implementation, performance standards, budgets, and management plans) for summer 2023 onlyWinterPublish non-congregate meals Questions & Answers for summer 2023 onlySpringDevelop strategy for securing administrative match funds for Summer EBTHost stakeholder listening sessions on new summer opportunitiesIssue Summer EBT eligibility and application guidance for states, territories and tribesIssue guidance for states, territories, and tribes on data sharing and technology investments for Summer EBTSummerOperate summer with non-congregate option in rural areasConvene leadership from state agencies with a role in summer nutrition programsConnect with Governor’s Office to coordinate on summer initiativeProvide Summer EBT Management and Administration Plan templates and training to states, territories, and tribesPublish Summer 2024 Planning Toolkit for states, territories, and tribesMake available Summer EBT administrative funds (subject to availability) for states, territories, and tribes intending to administer the programFallEstablish roles and responsibilities for state agencies relevant to Summer EBTFinalize source(s) of administrative match funding for Summer EBTReview FNS reporting requirements for summer nutrition programs and modify procedures and/or contracts as neededContact EBT processor to identify needs, negotiate contract terms, and enter into contractPlan for how your state or tribe will provide comprehensive Summer EBT customer service, securing contract support as neededStatutory deadline to publish an Interim Final Rule establishing regulations for summer non-congregate and Summer EBTDec. 29, 2023Key Milestones 2024FNSAction2024TimelineState, Territory and/or TribalActionJan. 1, 2024Deadline for states, territories, and tribes to notify FNS of intent to operate summer nutrition programs in summer 2024Announce adjusted 2024 Summer EBT benefit levels for Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. territories.Jan. 29 2024Provide training and technical assistance on Summer EBT and non-congregate meal service to states, territories, tribes, and program operatorsPublish Summer Media and Outreach ToolkitConduct public outreach on opportunities for families and communities in summer 2024WinterDevelop a plan for conducting Summer EBT outreach to families eligible for benefitsRecruit summer sponsors for summer 2024 in underserved areasFeb. 15, 2024Deadline to submit 2024 summer nutrition program management plans to FNSProvide ongoing technical assistance to states, territories, and tribesContinue public outreach for summer 2024SpringReview and approve summer sites and sponsors for summer 2024Conduct Summer EBT outreach to eligible familiesProvide ongoing technical assistance to states, territories, and tribesSummerLaunch Summer EBTOperate summer with non-congregate option in rural areasGather feedback on summer 2024 operations from states, territories, and tribesFallGather feedback on summer 2024 operations from program operatorsPage updated: January 31, 2024 Return to top

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