Questions and Answers Regarding Child Nutrition Program Oversight, Administration, and Reporting During COVID-19

Pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (PL 116-127), and based on the exceptional circumstances of this current public health emergency, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has issued nationwide waivers and has exercised existing statutory and regulatory authorities to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Under program statute and regulations, state agencies and local operators are required to conduct monitoring of the child nutrition programs. FNS has issued nationwide waivers regarding on-site monitoring to help minimize potential exposure to COVID-19.

In addition, FNS released COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response #59: Nationwide Waiver to Allow Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option Operations through School Year 2020-2021 – Extension in order to provide flexibility to local program operators as they serve meals safely to children and manage the impacts of COVID–19.

Given that program operators may be operating different programs at different times of the year than traditional operations, this memorandum includes questions and answers that are intended to provide clarifications to state agencies and program operators regarding the oversight and administration of the child nutrition programs.

FNS appreciates the exceptional efforts of state agencies and local program operators working to meet the nutritional needs of child and adult participants during this 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.

Jessica Saracino
Acting Director
Program Monitoring and Operational Support Division

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• Questions and Answers