They also receive operating reimbursement for food, labor, transportation and other costs related to the serving of program meals. Each organization is required to attend training and re-apply for the program annually. 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.
Sponsors have several options for the provision of meals.
Sponsors who chose either of these methods of meal service are considered to be self-preparation sponsors. These sponsors are considered to be vended sponsors. Sponsors submit claims on a monthly basis to report the number of meals served and the actual administrative and operating costs incurred. Sponsors will be reimbursed for the lesser of actual costs or the number of meals served times the USDA established rate per meal. Responsibility for the SFSP in Georgia was transferred from the USDA Regional Office to OSR in October 1997.