Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) - New Sponsor Application and Site Operation Checklists

Oct 10, 2026

Guidance for organizations seeking to become new sponsors under the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Outlines eligibility-related training, Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) requirements, and required application materials for submission by May 1, 2026. Specifies email submission, sequencing of ISBE review and IWAS setup, creation of Authorized Representative and staff access, and completion of WINS components. Includes a site operation checklist covering training, required public postings, pre-operational visits, initial site forms, review forms, and daily meal count procedures.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Step 1 – Training

Step 2 – Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Requirements

Step 3 – Application Submission

Step 4 – Wait for ISBE Review

Step 5 – IWAS Account Setup

Step 6 – Wait for ISBE/System to Assign Site Number

Step 7 – WINS Completion

Site Operation Checklist

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) New Sponsor Application and Site Operation Checklists Applicants that did not participate in the 2025 Summer Food Service Program must complete and submit the New Sponsor Application and required documentation by May 1. If all items below are not completed and submitted, the application may be returned as incomplete. Please refer to the Summer Food Service Program webpage for required forms, guidance, and instructions. Meals served prior to the approval date are not eligible for reimbursement. Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026 [Submission Email:](Submission Email: SummerMeals@isbe. net)[ SummerMeals@isbe. net](Submission Email: SummerMeals@isbe. net) Step 1 – Training Register and complete online SFSP Training: This is required. New applicants are required to complete the following Brighton Training Group Courses: ISBE-178 Planning and Administering the SFSP 2026 ◦ Lesson 1 – Sponsor, Site, and Special Site Eligibility ◦ Lesson 2 – Meal Service Planning ◦ Lesson 3 – Staff Duties and Training ◦ Lesson 4 – Recordkeeping ◦ Lesson 5 – Civil Rights ◦ Post-Course Evaluation See additional training resources on the SFSP Homepage under the Training & Resources tab. Step 2 – Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Requirements Complete GATA Requirements [isbe](isbe.net)[.net](isbe.net) Step 3 – Application Submission Email the following documents [to SummerMeals@isbe. net:](to SummerMeals@isbe. net:) ◦ New Sponsor Application (closes May 1, 2026) ◦ 2026 Training Certiﬁcate of Completion ◦ New Site Application ◦ Signed (IRS W-9) Request for Taxpayer Identiﬁcation Number and Certiﬁcation (can be found on the Internal Revenue Service website ) ◦ Documentation of 501(c)3 status ◦ Health Department Notiﬁcation Letter ◦ Management Plan ◦ Compliance Review Form (school and government sponsors only) ◦ Notiﬁcation to the Community ▪ Open Sites or ▪ Enrolled Sites and Camps ◦ Submit contract documents, if applicable ▪ Prior to soliciting bids, all invitation for bid and contract documents must be submitted to ISBE for review to determine regulatory compliance prior to beginning the bid solicitation process. Allow a minimum of one month for ISBE staff to review all documents and to receive written notiﬁcation that the applicant may proceed with the bid solicitation. Submit contract questions to [CACFP_SFSPContracts@isbe. net](CACFP_SFSPContracts@isbe. net). Step 4 – Wait for ISBE Review ISBE Process • The Authorized Representative and Sponsor Contact listed on the New Sponsor Application will receive an email of receipt and/or items that need to be submitted orclariﬁed. • The documents are submitted to ISBE’s Funding and Disbursements Department; and if approved • The Funding and Disbursements Department submits the documents to the Comptroller. Wait for ISBE Web Application Security (IWAS) setup instructions. Step 5 – IWAS Account Setup Follow instructions to set up: ◦ Authorized Representative Account ◦ Staff Accounts ◦ Each staff goes into IWAS and adds Web-Based Illinois Nutrition System (WINS) ◦ Authorized Representative approves each staff seeking access Submit Sponsor Components in WINS: ◦ Sponsor Questionnaire ◦ Sponsor Budget, if applicable ◦ Sponsor Management Plan, if applicable Add Site Information using the “Add New Site” link under Sponsor Tasks tab Step 6 – Wait for ISBE/System to Assign Site Number The site will appear in site listing 24 hours after ISBE approval. Step 7 – WINS Completion Once the site is added under the Site Applications tab in WINS, complete the following site components for each application: ◦ Site Questionnaire ◦ Site Participation ◦ Once the site is approved, complete the Site Participation Detail. Preapproval Visit Wait for a Pre-Operational Visit. An ISBE monitor will call to schedule. Final Approval Once the Pre-Operational Visit i

FAQs

What is the submission deadline for a new SFSP sponsor application?

The deadline is May 1, 2026. Applications must be completed and submitted with all required items to avoid being returned as incomplete.

Are meals served before approval eligible for reimbursement?

No. Meals served prior to the approval date are not eligible for reimbursement, and meals are not reimbursable until the sponsor is completely approved.

What training is required for new SFSP applicants?

New applicants must register and complete online SFSP Training, including Brighton Training Group Courses such as planning and administration, meal service planning, staff duties and training, recordkeeping, and civil rights, plus post-course evaluation.

Oct 10, 2026

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