Nutrition and Wellness Programs
School Dismissals for H1N1 Outbreaks
The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act authorizes the provision of meal service to children who are not in school during non-summer months due to an unanticipated school dismissal. The requirement for serving meals in a congregate setting will be waived for H1N1 related school dismissals due to a declaration of a public health emergency under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act. Meals served during schools dismissals should be targeted toward low-income children, but all students are able to participate. During a school dismissal, meals may be claimed through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) or the National School Lunch Program’s Seamless Summer Option (SSO).
School food authorities (SFA) or eligible community organizations that plan to provide meals during an H1N1 school dismissal must have an agreement with the Illinois State Board of Education to operate the SFSP or the SSO. In addition to the required agreement, an SFA must also complete the Meal Service Waiver Form for service of meals during and H1N1 school dismissal.
Meals eligible for reimbursements include breakfast, lunch, and/or snack. SFAs will be able to claim reimbursement for two meals or one meal and one snack, per child per day. An SFA may choose to do on-site meal distribution, delivery of meals, or a combination of both as long as the distribution method(s) chosen focuses on meal services to low-income children.
Waiver
