The Churchill County School district will be administering the Summer Food Service Program for the first time.
According to the school district, the program, which is part of a Federal Food program grant, is operated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and has been in place for many years. During the past two years, the federal government had a waiver in place that allowed people to pick up foods due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is no longer in place.
The Summer Food Service program is available in several ways in conjunction with the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe, the Fallon Youth Club and the school district. The USDA has set strict rules that have not been in place over the past two years because of COVID; however, these rules are returning.
According to the school district, the program is not ideal for meals to be consumed at the sites. In order to have the program and ensure the school district is able to serve the children in the community, all guidelines have been established by the USDA. The rules require children ages 0-18 who are the most in need have access to hot and/or cold breakfasts, lunches, snacks and dinners during the summer months.
Below are some of the rules from the federal law:
● All meals must be consumed at the site unless the sponsor has authorized participants to leave a site with only one of the following meal components: fruit, vegetable or grain.
● Individuals 19 and older may not consume or share any part of a child’s meal.
● Only children ages 18 and under are served free meals.
● Meals are only served during the published serving times.
● Meal substitutions due to a life-threatening allergy or disability must be supported by a statement from a recognized medical authority that includes the required alternative foods.
Individuals with questions about the program may contact the district administrator, Superintendent Dr. Summer Stephens, at 775-423-5184 or stephenss@churchillcsd.com or a Chartwells representatives at 775-428-2700.
