0584-AF24 202510 The Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions 0584 Food and Nutrition Service FNS 0500 Department of Agriculture USDA Enhancing Integrity in Non-Congregate Meal Service in the Summer Meal Programs

This rulemaking proposes changes to streamline program operations and enhance program integrity related to non-congregate meal service operations under the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the National School Lunch Program’s Seamless Summer Option (SSO). These updates are intended to assist State and local Program operators overcome operational challenges that limit their ability to manage these Programs efficiently and effectively. The proposed rule also includes provisions to strengthen oversight controls and ensure that summer non-congregate meal service is operated by sponsors who are best equipped to maintain program integrity.

]]> Other Significant First Time Published in The Unified Agenda Proposed Rule Stage Undetermined No Regulatory 7 CFR Parts 225, 226 42 U.S.C. 1761 Yes

Would implement provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328) authorizing a rural non-congregate meal service option in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).  This would codify the flexibility for rural program operators to provide non-congregate meal service in the SFSP.  Implementation would expand the reach of FNS's summer nutrition programs, providing greater access for communities and families whom the traditional SFSP cannot reliably reach.

]]>

Section 502 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328), amended section 13 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. 1761, to establish a non-congregate meal service option in the Summer Food Service Program.

]]>

None.

]]>

Implementation is expected to add to current program costs at the Federal, State, and local levels.  Implementation is anticipated to benefit families with children by enabling families access to critical nutrition assistance for their children.

]]>

N/A.

]]> NPRM 07/00/2026 Final Action 09/00/2027 No Businesses Local State Tribal No No No Lynn Gilbert 0584 Food and Nutrition Service FNS 703 305-1615 lynn.gilbert@usda.gov 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria VA 22314 Richard Lucas 0584 Food and Nutrition Service FNS 703 457-6797 richard.lucas@usda.gov 1320 Braddock Place, Room 555, Alexandria VA 22314