This rule will revise Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) meal patterns for meals and snacks served to children, as needed, with changes based on current nutrition science, including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.  Section 13 (f)(1) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. 1761 (f)(1), requires that SFSP meals consist of a combination of foods and meet minimum nutritional standards prescribed by the Secretary on the basis of tested nutritional research. This rule is expected to improve the nutritional quality of meals served, and the overall health and nutrition security of children participating in the SFSP. Most SFSP meals are served to children from low-income households.

To inform the development of this proposed rule, FNS plans to seek input from a range of stakeholders through stakeholder conversations and listening sessions. These stakeholders include advocacy organizations (e.g., Share Our Strength, the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), Feeding America), professional associations (e.g. National Child and Adult Care Food Program [CACFP] Sponsors Association, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Academy of Pediatrics), State agencies, program sponsors, and Indian Tribal Organizations.