BECOMING A SFSP SPONSOR

Becoming a Sponsor for the USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), training, and application information.

Summary: Learn about the process for becoming a Sponsor for the USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

Applies to: Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Training, Forms, and Renewal Training.

Media: Summer Food Service Program Video (MP4 Video 45.8 MB)

Who can participate in becoming a SFSP Sponsor?

Organizations wishing to participate as an SFSP sponsor may be public or private non-profit schools; universities, colleges, or camps; units of local government; National Youth Sports Programs (NYSP); and private non-profit organizations considered tax exempt by the Internal Revenue Service [501(c)3 (Note: the organization has to be active in the community for at least a year).

SFSP Site Types and Participant Eligibility

SFSP sites may be located in schools, community centers, parks, churches, playgrounds, migrant centers, homeless feeding sites, or summer camps. The children served by the SFSP must be 18 years of age or younger or persons 19 and over who are mentally or physically disabled and participating in a public or private non-profit school program for the mentally or physically disabled.

For additional information on participation go to:

Nutrition > SFSP Applicant Information> Who Can Participate As a SFSP Sponsor?

Training for New Organizations

Prior to submitting an annual application for the SFSP, organizations must attend required SFSP training. New organizations that have never participated in the SFSP or experienced organizations with a new Program Contact must attend the two-day SFSP Orientation and Program Training for New Sponsors. Organizations that are experienced but did not participate in the Program the previous fiscal year must also attend the two-day SFSP Orientation and Program Training for New Sponsors. This training covers the application process, site identification and preparation, organization and management of the program, planning and serving meals, working with staff and food service management companies, monitoring sites, online claim submission, and program reviews.

Training sessions are offered during the late winter/early spring for new organizations that want to participate as SFSP Sponsors. To register for upcoming training dates and locations, contact us via email at SFSP@decal.ga.gov or call the Nutrition Services' Administrative Assistant at 404-657-1779.

For additional information on Training, upcoming dates and locations go to:

Nutrition > Training and Technical Assistance

Training for Experienced Organizations

Prior to submitting an annual application for the SFSP, experienced organizations that participated in the SFSP in the prior year must complete annual SFSP renewal training. Training for experienced organizations is delivered in a combined web-based/face-to-face format. Training for experienced organizations is designed to foster more interaction between sponsors, to share best practices, and to target specific needs for sponsors who experienced issues operating the program in prior years.

Training sessions are offered early winter months for experienced organizations. For additional information related to upcoming training dates and locations, contact us via email at SFSP@decal.ga.gov or call the Nutrition Services' Program Coordinator at 404-657-1779.

For additional information on Training, upcoming dates and locations go to:

Nutrition > Training and Technical Assistance

Application Information

New Private Non-Profit organizations are required to complete a viability screening process prior to attending required SFSP training. The purpose of this process is to determine whether an organization is financially viable and administratively capable of operating a successful food service program. A complete and accurate viability screening packet must be submitted at least 7 business days prior to the last new sponsor training in order to allow time for the review of the submitted information. Organizations that meet all of the requirements of the viability screening process will be registered to attend the required 2-day training program for New Sponsors. For additional information related to viability screening process, contact us via email at SFSP@decal.ga.gov or call the Nutrition Services' Administrative Assistant at 404-657-1779.

Upon completion of required SFSP training, organizations will be required to complete a SFSP application. Bright from the Start's SFSP application consists of submitting hard copy documents as well as completing the web-based portion of the application. Organizations cannot be approved until a complete and satisfactory application is submitted.

For the current application forms please go to:

Nutrition> SFSP Forms

Bright from the Start Responsibilities

Bright from the Start is responsible for the following components of the SFSP:

promoting the SFSP in Georgia;
developing and delivering required training for current and new sponsors;
receiving and processing approving applications;
paying sponsors for serving meals to eligible participants; and
reviewing sponsors and sites.