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Previously Issued Questions and Answers Relating to Operation of the Child Nutrition Programs: Updated for SY 2021-22

EO Guidance Document #
FNS-GD-2021-0071
FNS Document #
SP16 CACFP14-2021
Resource type
Policy Memos
FAQs/Q&As
Resource Materials
PDF Icon Questions and Answers (389.38 KB)
DATE:July 14, 2021
POLICY MEMO:SP16 CACFP14-2021
SUBJECT:Previously Issued Questions and Answers Relating to Operation of the Child Nutrition Programs: Updated for School Year 2021-2022
TO:Regional Directors
Special Nutrition Programs
All Regions		State Directors
Child Nutrition Programs
All States

This memorandum includes questions and answers intended to provide clarification to state agencies and program operators as they operate the child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), NSLP Seamless Summer Option (SSO), and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), during school year (SY) 2021-22. These questions and answers were previously issued in calendar year 2020 and have been updated for application to SY 2021-22. The following Q&A documents are the sources for the attached consolidated Q&As:

Pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 (PL 116-127), as amended by the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (PL 116-159), and based on the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has issued several nationwide waivers and has exercised existing statutory and regulatory authorities to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. Child nutrition program waivers applicable to SY 2021-22 may be found at https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/pandemic/cn-2021-22-waivers-and-flexibilities.

Please note, many of these questions relate to Child Nutrition Response #87, Nationwide Waiver to Allow Non-Congregate Meal Service for School Year 2021-22, Child Nutrition Response #88, Nationwide Waiver of Meal Times Requirements for School Year 2021-22, and Child Nutrition Response #89, Nationwide Waiver to Allow Parents and Guardians to Pick Up Meals for Children for School Year 2021-22. While these waivers are available through June 30, 2022, FNS expects that they will be used only for the duration and extent needed, as schools and child care providers work to safely and successfully reopen. For more information, please see Question #4 of SP15 CACFP13 SFSP08-2021: Questions and Answers for Child Nutrition Program Operations in School Year 2021-22.

FNS appreciates the exceptional effort of state agencies and local program operators working to meet the nutritional needs of child and adult participants during a challenging time. State agencies are reminded to distribute this memorandum to program operators immediately. Program operators should direct any questions concerning this guidance to their state agency. State agencies with questions should contact the appropriate FNS regional office.

Angela M. Kline
Director
Policy and Program Development Division

 

Attachment
Page updated: December 20, 2023

The contents of this guidance document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.