Policy Memo (37.97 KB)
| DATE: | April 9, 2021 | |
| MEMO CODE: | CACFP 08-2021 | |
| SUBJECT: | Reimbursement for Meals and Snacks Served to Young Adults in the Child and Adult Care Food Program: Implementation Guidance for State Agencies1 | |
| TO: | Regional Directors Special Nutrition Programs All Regions | State Directors Child Nutrition Programs All States |
This memorandum provides guidance regarding reimbursement of meals and snacks served during the COVID-19 public health emergency by emergency shelters participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) under section 17 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) at 42 USC 1766(r) or 42 USC 1766(t). Section 1107 of the American Rescue Plan Act (PL 117-2) authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to reimburse institutions that are emergency shelters for meals and snacks served to persons under age 25. Beginning on March 11, 2021, reimbursement at the free rate may be claimed for:
- All reimbursable meals and snacks served to young adults, ages 18 through 24, who reside in an emergency shelter participating in CACFP under section 17(t) of the NSLA; and
- All reimbursable meals and snacks served to young adults, ages 18 through 24, who receive services from an emergency shelter participating in CACFP as an at-risk center under section 17(r) of the NSLA.
FNS reminds state agencies that 7 CFR 226.11(a) allows payments to be made only to institutions operating under an agreement with the state agency, and only for the meal types that are specified in the agreement and served at approved emergency shelters. This section of the regulations also allows a state agency to develop a policy under which an emergency shelter is reimbursed for eligible meals served in the calendar month preceding the calendar month in which the agreement is executed.
Reimbursement is authorized from the date of enactment of PL 117-2 until the date the COVID–19 public health emergency is lifted. Retroactive reimbursement is available to institutions that have documentation to support the service of reimbursable meals and snacks to eligible adults. Valid retroactive claims for meals and snacks served back to March 11, 2021, will be paid without regard to the normal 60-day time limit on submission of claims, if they are submitted prior to June 1, 2021. State agencies should amend their FNS-44 reports, as necessary.
FNS continues to stand ready to provide assistance to areas impacted by COVID-19 and support access to nutritious meals during this public health emergency. State agencies are reminded to distribute this memorandum to program operators. 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 Kline
Director
Policy and Program Development Division
1 Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 USC §801 et seq.), the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs designated this memo as not major, as defined by 5 USC § 804(2).