DEMING – School officials told Deming Radio News that significant changes to this year’s Summer Lunch Program stem from a combination of federal budget cuts, low student enrollment, and strict USDA regulations that have made it unworkable under the district’s current staffing and financial conditions. As a result, Deming Public Schools will scale back the scope of its summer meal offerings, focusing primarily on enrolled students and approved summer programs.
A closer review of federal USDA guidelines confirms that the barriers outlined in the district’s public release are consistent with national policy. While participation in the summer food service program is voluntary for school districts, those that do participate must adhere to detailed federal regulations in order to receive meal reimbursements.
Among the most impactful restrictions: meals must be eaten onsite—no “grab and go,” no multi-day meal packs, and no delivery from buses or nutrition vehicles. These rules reflect the USDA’s congregate feeding requirement, which has long mandated that meals be consumed where they are served. Though USDA has introduced rural flexibilities such as “SUN Meals To-Go,” those options are limited, require state approval, and are not universally available.
The district also cited the USDA mandate that meals must be served during separate breakfast and lunch time blocks, a rule that mirrors federal meal timing policies. Sponsors are allowed to provide a maximum of two meals per day per child, with only certain combinations permitted, such as breakfast and lunch or lunch and a snack—not all three.
Another federal requirement impacting local planning is the mandate that children from ages 1 through 18 are eligible for summer meals, regardless of their enrollment status. This wide age range demands flexibility in portion sizes and meal patterns. Although the USDA allows schools to use age-appropriate adjustments and even serve adult-sized portions to teens, doing so increases administrative complexity and resource needs.
The use of parks or outdoor areas as meal sites also poses challenges. The district noted that any park location must have tables, seating, and access to water, which is directly aligned with USDA health and safety guidelines for approved sites.
Despite these limitations, Deming Public Schools emphasized that it continues to provide meals at designated summer program locations including Deming High School, Early College High School, Ruben S. Torres and Columbus Elementary’s migrant programs, the Summer Recreation Program, the Charter School Summer Program, and Mariachi Camp.
Of note, Deming High School remains an open site, meaning the general public may access meals there. “The public will have to sign in at the front office and follow the above regulations,” school officials stated, reaffirming the district’s commitment to maintaining at least one public access point for free summer meals.
In the school’s words, “USDA regulations have made it impossible under our current nutrition staff numbers and budget to run the program [as it was].” That position is backed by federal documentation, which lays out specific serving times, approved site conditions, meal pattern standards, and administrative reporting requirements.
While the changes may come as a disappointment to some families, the district’s decision appears rooted in a practical response to federal compliance challenges and fiscal reality. Deming Public Schools is continuing to serve where it can—within its means—and is directing families to Deming High School as a reliable source for summer meals under the USDA’s structured guidelines.
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