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<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Cross-posted. Please excuse duplication. Update of March 2024 announcement, with new rural non-congregate resources.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Does your library serve summer meals/snacks, or are you interested in being a meal site or supporting other meal sites in your area? Many libraries in Ohio and around the USA participate in the
<b><a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/summer-food-service-program">Summer Food Service Program</a></b> (SFSP), a USDA-funded program that provides free meals and snacks to children ages 0-18 in communities with high levels of need. In fact, nearly one out
 of every 10 SFSP sites in Ohio is a public library!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><a href="https://www.cslpreads.org/libraries-and-summer-food/">Libraries and SFSP are a great fit.</a></span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> The library is a trusted, accessible community center which
 is known for high-quality services with no direct cost to library users. Libraries are also justly famous for drop-in enrichment programming, which increases the appeal and use of SFSP sites. SFSP is good for the library too. Besides the obvious benefits of
 addressing hunger and supporting vulnerable youth, participation gives libraries:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Access to new user groups, especially underserved and marginalized populations<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Increased visibility of the library as a community asset<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Opportunities for new partnerships<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Positioning of the library as an important stakeholder in community well-being and positive child outcomes<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Support for summer library programming through increased attendance<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">New for 2024</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">: The USDA has released an interim final rule for rural non-congregate (“grab and go”) summer meals, intended to reduce barriers for children, teens,
 and families in rural areas to access healthy meals and snacks. In 2023, the USDA allowed non-congregate meal service in certain counties designated as rural.
<b>The definition of “rural” has been significantly broadened for summer 2024 to include many more areas</b>. Note that not all areas defined as rural are SFSP-eligible; there remains an area income eligibility requirement. You may explore the new rural definition
 on the <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/rural-designation">USDA rural designation page</a> and see the new rural definition overlaid with area eligibility on the
<a href="https://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/Summer-Meals-Eligibility-Map">No Kid Hungry Summer Eligibility Map.</a> For more detailed information, see the
<b><a href="https://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/programs/non-congregate-summer-meals">No Kid Hungry Non-Congregate Summer Meals site</a></b> and the
<b><a href="https://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Student-Supports/Food-and-Nutrition/Summer-Food-Service-Program/Summer-Food-Service-Program-Component/Ohio-Rural-Non-Congregate-Guide-and-FAQ.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US">Ohio SFSP Rural Non-Congregate Meals
 Guide and FAQ</a></b>. The Ohio guide directly addresses SFSP sponsors but includes important info for SFSP sites (see note about sites and sponsors, below).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Interested in serving summer meals or snacks in 2024?</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">If you are already an SFSP site (or have been a site in the past), work with your regular sponsor to prepare for summer 2024. If your location is designated
 rural by the USDA, ask your sponsor about the non-congregate option. <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">If you want to become an SFSP site*, first find out if you are in an eligible area. Eligibility is based on the economic conditions of a geographic area,
 measured by school data or census data. Use the <a href="http://www.fns.usda.gov/capacitybuilder">
USDA's Capacity Builder Map</a> to see if you are in an eligible area. When the map loads, scroll down and select “FY2024 FNS SFSP CACFP Eligibility.” Alternately, you may check your eligibility using the
<a href="https://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/Summer-Meals-Eligibility-Map">No Kid Hungry Summer Eligibility Map.</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">If you are not in an eligible area, see the
<a href="https://www.cslpreads.org/libraries-and-summer-food/#alternatives">Libraries and Summer Food</a> guide (below) for alternatives to SFSP and other ways to help. If you are near eligible areas, contact the
<a href="https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Food-and-Nutrition/Summer-Food-Service-Program/Summer-Food-Service-Program-Component">
Ohio Department of Education & Workforce (ODEW) Office of Nutrition</a> to find out if you may be eligible through Averaged Area Eligibility.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">If you are in an eligible area, identify and contact a local SFSP sponsor* about becoming a site. The USDA Capacity Builder map can show you existing
 sites and their sponsors. I can also help you identify existing sponsors in your area, so feel welcome to
<a href="mailto:jdwyer@library.ohio.gov?subject=Summer%20Food%20Service%20Program">
email me</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">If there is no sponsor in your area to ask, you might contact your school district administrative office, to discuss the possibility of their becoming
 an SFSP sponsor and using your library as a site. Or contact the <a href="https://ohiofoodbanks.org/foodbanks/">
food bank that serves your area</a>. Or <a href="https://childrenshungeralliance.org/provider-services/summer-programs/contact-summer-programs/">
contact the Children’s Hunger Alliance</a>, which can serve as an SFSP sponsor in all 88 Ohio counties for distribution of shelf-stable meals and snacks that meet nutrition guidelines. You may also complete the
<b><a href="http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Food-and-Nutrition/Summer-Food-Service-Program/2013-Summer-Food-Service-Program-Potential-Sponsor">ODEW Potential Sponsor Survey</a></b>. The ODEW administers the SFSP statewide and identifies new
 sponsors and sites through this survey. You can complete the survey to make your interest known to the ODE even if you just want to be a site and not a sponsor*.<b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">      
</span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:12.0pt">* A note about SFSP sites and sponsors:<b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
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<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level2 lfo3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Sites are the locations where meals/snacks are served. Nearly all participating libraries are sites (not sponsors), or partner to bring enrichment activities
 to an existing site.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level2 lfo3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Sponsors handle the financial, administrative and food service responsibilities for SFSP in an area. Sponsors may contract with food service providers
 and do not have to prepare the food themselves. Sponsors are reimbursed for all expenses by the USDA. A few libraries are sponsors as well as sites.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">For further information, <a href="https://www.nokidhungry.org/">
No Kid Hungry</a>’s <a href="https://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/">Center for Best Practices</a> offers a<b>
<a href="https://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/programs/summer-and-afterschool-meals-libraries">
Summer and Afterschool Meals resource just for libraries</a></b>. This webpage houses information for libraries nationwide on SFSP and the Child and Adult Care Food Program At-Risk Afterschool Meal Program (CACFP At-Risk, or Afterschool Meals). Planning and
 implementation resources are also available, along with training opportunities. <o:p>
</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The No Kid Hungry resource aligns with and links to the Collaborative Summer Library Program’s
<b><a href="https://www.cslpreads.org/libraries-and-summer-food/">Libraries & Summer Food</a></b> how-to guide, which is a thorough, clear step-by-step guide for libraries wishing to participate in or support summer meals.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Also, the <b><a href="https://library.ohio.gov/libraries/library-programs-and-development/summer-food-service/summer-food-service">State Library’s SFSP webpage</a>
</b>provides guidance for Ohio libraries and a collection of Ohio-specific links, instructions, and ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Thank you for all you do to support the children and families in your community. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions or for assistance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Janet<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002E62"><img border="0" width="96" height="102" style="width:1.0in;height:1.0583in" id="Picture_x0020_11" src="cid:image001.jpg@01D83F9F.57410AE0"></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002E62"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002E62">Janet Ingraham Dwyer (she/her)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002E62">Library Consultant<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002E62">614-644-6910<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:jdwyer@library.ohio.gov"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:blue">jdwyer@library.ohio.gov</span></a><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002E62">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://library.ohio.gov/youth-services"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:blue">library.ohio.gov/youth-services</span></a><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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