Resources on Implementing Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas

As part of the FY23 omnibus package, Congress passed a provision allowing for permanent, non-congregate meal service in rural areas. This change was in recognition of the significant barrier that distance can be for students in accessing food, especially in the summer months. 

Our friends at No Kid Hungry have developed resources to help eligible districts and community based organizations implement this change: 

• Webinar recording - "Making the Most of a Moment: Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas"; provided a review of USDA’s implementation guidance for non-congregate meal service in rural areas and key questions to ask state agencies when considering a non-congregate site this summer
• Fact sheet explaining the opportunities non-congregate meal service provides to sponsors with some considerations for service models and ways to support