Sponsors and Meal Sites Sought for 2024 Summer Food Service Program

A program that targets children in low-income areas to ensure they have meals during the summer is seeking sponsors and meal sites for meal locations.   The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally funded program operated nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered in Delaware by the Department of Education (DDOE).  Sponsors are reimbursed for all meals served free at approved meal sites in low-income areas to children 18 years and under.

Who Can Participate?

  • Sponsors – Units of local government, camps, schools, and private nonprofit organizations are eligible to operate SFSP as sponsors.
  • Meal sites – Individual sites, such as camps, housing complexes, community centers, parks and homes are eligible to operate a SFSP as a site under a sponsor.   The sponsor would prepare and deliver the meals to the site (some locations may be served by a food truck, depending on availability).   An adult at the site is required to be the site supervisor to oversee the meals being served.
  • Children – Children 18 and under may receive free meals and snacks through the SFSP. Meals and snacks also are available to persons with disabilities, over age 18, who participate in school programs.

Sponsors and sites will receive training to help them operate a successful program and will have continued support from the Delaware Department of Education throughout the course of the program.  All sponsors and sites must agree to serve meals to all children regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age, or disability.

Eligibility for SFSP is based on free and reduced lunch data for a school for a particular area. To qualify as an open site that can feed all children, the site must be in an area where 50 percent or more of the children qualify for free or reduced lunch.  In addition, camps and enrolled programs may qualify based on individual income eligibility. The current income eligibility guidelines are as follows:

 

FOR USE BY SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR REDUCED PRICE MEALS

Effective Date July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024

FEDERAL ELIGIBILITY INCOME CHART for School Year 2023 – 2024
Household size Yearly Monthly Weekly
1 $26,973 $2,248 $519
2 $36,482 $3,041 $702
3 $45,991 $3,833 $885
4 $55,500 $4,625 $1,068
5 $65,009 $5,418 $1,251
6 $74,518 $6,210 $1,434
7 $84,027 $7,003 $1,616
8 $93,536 $7,795 $1,799
Each additional person: $9,509 $793 $183

$129

Conversion Factors: Conversion is required if there are multiple income sources with more than one frequency (Example: a ‘monthly’ Social Security check and a ‘weekly’ wage stub), the participating agency must annualize all income by multiplying: Weekly income by 52; Bi-weekly income (received every two weeks) by 26; Semi-monthly income (received twice a month) by 24; Monthly income by 12.

For information on becoming a SFSP sponsor or site, or to locate a sponsored site in your area, call (302) 857-3356 or visit: http://www.doe.k12.de.us and search “Summer Food Service Program.”

                                                                                                                                                               

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

  1. mail:
    U.S. Department of Agriculture
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    1400 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
  2. fax:
    (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
  3. email:
    program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006


DPH Seeks Community-Based Applicants For Advancing Healthy Lifestyles Mini-Grants

DOVER, DE (Aug. 8, 2022) — The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention Program (PANO) is seeking mini-grant applications as part of the Advancing Healthy Lifestyles (AHL) initiative to improve community health and reduce chronic health conditions.  

PANO expects to award five to eight mini-grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 in September.  All applications are due no later than August 17. The project period will run from October 2022 to May 2023. PANO will award the mini-grants based on several criteria, including the project’s alignment with AHL outcomes and whether the applicant uses an equity-based approach. Mathematica, the technical assistance contractor on the AHL Initiative, will manage the mini-grant program and contracts on PANO’s behalf. 

“Good health begins with good habits and good nutrition,” said DPH Associate Deputy Director Cassandra Codes-Johnson. “Many chronic conditions and life-threatening illnesses can be prevented with diet, exercise and healthy habits. DPH is committed to ensuring that all Delawareans have access to the tools they need to lead longer, healthier lives.”

In January 2021, PANO began work on the AHL initiative by implementing suggestions from the Delaware Cancer Consortium’s (DCC) subcommittee in schools, youth-serving organizations, and in community-based organizations.

Through the AHL initiative, PANO seeks to reduce obesity and other chronic conditions while striving to achieve health equity among all Delaware residents. PANO aims to support programs aligned with the goals of the AHL initiative through its policy, systems and environmental (PSE) and health equity approaches. Community partners are uniquely able to provide outreach and education, as well as opportunities to improve physical activity, offer access to healthy food, and work towards maintaining a healthy weight. 

Grant Eligibility and Requirements

Applications should include a description of how the applicant will be flexible in response to changes in the COVID-19 pandemic and how projects will serve people who are disproportionately impacted by chronic disease and COVID-19. 

 

Who can apply? Eligibility for the mini-grants includes:  

  • Municipalities, community-based organizations and/or non-profits 
    • Applicants must have a Delaware business license or proof of non-profit status and liability insurance 
    • If the applicant does not meet these requirements, the applicant may choose to partner with another organization to be their fiscal agent 

PANO hosted an informational session on the mini-grant applications on July 28, 2022. To view the recording or access the application, visit the Advancing Healthy Lifestyles | Healthy Delaware website.

 

Disparities in Obesity: Delaware 

According to the 2021 State of Obesity Report by Trust for America’s Health (TFAH), 36.5% of adult Delawareans were overweight and another 32.2% were obese in 2020. The report found Black Delaware adults disproportionately obese (43%) compared to white Delaware adults (33%). It also reported thirty-eight percent (38%) of Delaware adults over 65 years are obese. According to the CDC, obesity is a risk factor linked to at least 13 types of cancer. As Delaware’s population ages, the rising prevalence of obesity raises the likelihood of Delawareans living with and dying from chronic disease in the future.

 AHL Accomplishments to Date

  • Established a partnership between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware and public schools to pilot the Triple Play model, which seeks to improve students’ knowledge of nutrition and fitness, increase physical activities and strengthen students’ skills for engaging in healthy relationships 
  • Engaged with three community partners the American Lung Association, University of Delaware – Cooperative Extension, and Delaware State University to support the implementation of partners’ health promotion models through financial support and intensive technical assistance
  • Led the development and implementation of the Work for Wellness program, which supports the organizational capacity and implementation of healthy promotion activities in Delaware’s executive branch agencies and departments.

To learn more about the Advancing Healthy Lifestyles initiative, please visit https://www.healthydelaware.org/Community-Partners/Advancing-Healthy-Lifestyles.  

 

# # # 

 

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com. 

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. 


Division Of Public Health Launches New Delaware WIC Educational Website

DOVER, DE (June 1, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the launch of Delaware WIC’s new educational website.

The website includes information on nutrition, breastfeeding, and WIC’s programming for families, covering all stages of pregnancy, postpartum, infancy and children up to five years of age. It currently includes a link to information and contact numbers related to the baby formula shortage. The site can be accessed at Delaware.WICresources.org.

WIC, also known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant and Children, is a federal nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young children eat well and learn about nutrition.

WIC provides nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, breastfeeding support, referrals to health care, welfare and social services, and nutrition education.

The new Delaware WIC site provides evidence-based information on breastfeeding, nutritional feeding practices, and information for expectant mothers and fathers.

The website also features information on the Delaware WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program which begins June 1 and ends October 31. The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program materials, located on the site, guide participants on how and where to redeem their one-time $30 nutrition coupon provided by the program.

“Delaware is fully committed to the health and well-being of our residents, particularly our children,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Good health starts with good nutrition. The launch of the Delaware WIC website is happening at a time when it is needed the most. Families can learn how to access healthy foods at Delaware’s farmers’ markets, and they can also get up-to-date information on WIC and its related programs, including information on breastfeeding and infant formula.”

The new website marks a pivotal change in how Delaware WIC provides nutrition education materials. During the pandemic, WIC pivoted from an in-person service provider to offering services virtually. The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique opportunities to provide WIC services to at-risk women, infants and children who may not have participated in WIC before. Waivers permitted WIC to deliver benefits remotely and offered opportunities for nutrition education and breastfeeding support virtually to WIC families. Participants have fully embraced this new model of delivering WIC services to the community.

WIC is one of the nation’s largest federal nutrition programs, serving approximately 6.3 million people nationally, including about half of all infants born in the United States. WIC supports the short- and long-term health of low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to age 5.

In Fiscal Year 2021, the Delaware WIC program served 17,199 participants, including 9,107 participants in New Castle County, 4,353 in Kent County and 3,739 in Sussex County.

Delawareans are encouraged to visit Delaware.WICresources.org or follow Delaware WIC on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube where they will find information on Delaware WIC’s programs and healthy recipes using WIC-approved ingredients.

                                                                # # #

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.


State Seeks Sponsors For Child and Adult Care Food Program

The Delaware Department of Education is seeking sponsors for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the program, which is managed locally by the Delaware Department of Education.   Sponsors in CACFP can receive reimbursement for meals served in compliance with program regulations at qualifying child care centers, adult day care centers, emergency shelters, family day care homes and afterschool programs.  Sponsors may be reimbursed for up to two meals and one snack, or two snacks and one meal, per participant each day.  Participant eligibility is tied to income eligibility guidelines that are adjusted annually by the USDA.  The current eligibility guidelines are as follows:

FOR USE BY CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM

INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR REDUCED PRICE MEALS

Effective Date:  July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022

These are the income scales used by Child Nutrition Programs to determine eligibility for free and reduced price meals.

 

FREE MEALS – 130% REDUCED MEALS – 185%
 

Household

Size

 

Yearly

 

Monthly

Twice

per

Month

 

Every  two weeks

 

Weekly

 

Yearly

 

Monthly

Twice

per

Month

 

Every  two weeks

 

Weekly

1 $16,744 $1,396 $698 $644 $322 $23,828 $1,986 $993 $917 $459
2 $22,646 $1,888 $944 $871 $436 $32,227 $2,686 $1,343 $1,240 $620
3 $28,548 $2,379 $1,190 $1,098 $549 $40,626 $3,386 $1,693 $1,563 $782
4 $34,450 $2,871 $1,436 $1,325 $663 $49,025 $4,086 $2,043 $1,886 $943
5 $40,352 $3,363 $1,682 $1,552 $776 $57,424 $4,786 $2,393 $2,209 $1,105
6 $46,254 $3,855 $1,928 $1,779 $890 $65,823 $5,486 $2,743 $2,532 $1,266
7 $52,156 $4,347 $2,174 $2,006 $1,003 $74,222 $6,186 $3,093 $2,855 $1,428
8 $58,058 $4,839 $2,420 $2,233 $1,117 $82,621 $6,886 $3,443 $3,178 $1,589
For each additional household member, add:  

 

$5,902

 

 

$492

 

 

$246

 

 

$227

 

 

$114

 

 

$8,399

 

 

$700

 

 

$350

 

 

$324

 

 

$162

 

Conversion Factors: Conversion is required if there are multiple income sources with more than one frequency (Example: a ‘monthly’ Social Security check and a ‘weekly’ wage stub), the participating agency must annualize all income by multiplying: Weekly income by 52; Bi-weekly income (received every two weeks) by 26; Semi-monthly income (received twice a month) by 24; Monthly income by 12

For more information please call the Delaware Department of Education Nutrition Office at (302) 857-3356.

                                                                                                                                                                       

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1)   mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2)   fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3)   email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

 


Free school meals to continue in upcoming academic year

Delaware K-12 schools will have the option to continue offering free nutritious school meals during the 2021-2022 school year, the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) announced today.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) released a group of waivers and eligibility guidelines allowing schools to offer meals without determining eligibility based on the student’s household income.

 

Participating schools can operate under the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) and will receive a higher federal reimbursement rate per meal.

 

Schools that elect not to serve free meals through the SSO will determine eligibility for free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) using federal income guidelines. The annually updated income eligibility guidelines for the 2021-22 school year have been released by the USDA.

 

The new eligibility guidelines went into effect July 1, 2021 and allow schools and other institutions and facilities to determine eligibility for the NSLP, the School Breakfast Program, the Special Milk Program for Children, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Summer Food Service Program, and the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer.

 

To apply, households already receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) need only include the SNAP or TANF case number on their application if not notified of their automatic eligibility by the school. Households enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals and should complete a Household Meal Benefit Application. Households should contact the school nutrition program of the district or school where their child(ren) attends school for further information.

 

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

 

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

 

(1)     mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

                  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

                  1400 Independence Avenue, SW

                  Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2)     fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3)     email: program.intake@usda.gov.

 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006