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:
- SP08 SFSP04-2020, March 6, 2020 - Child Nutrition Program Meal Service during Novel Coronavirus Outbreaks
- SP13 CACFP07 SFSP06-2020, April 11, 2020 – Child Nutrition Program Nationwide Waivers: Questions and Answers
- SP14 CACFP08 SFSP07-2020, April 11, 2020 - Child Nutrition Program Meal Service during Novel Coronavirus Outbreaks: Questions and Answers #3
- SP15 CACFP09 SFSP08-2020, April 21, 2020 - Child Nutrition Program Meal Service during Novel Coronavirus Outbreaks: Questions and Answers #4
- SP18 SFSP10-2020, May 19, 2020 - Summer Food Service Program and National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option Nationwide Waivers - Questions and Answers
- SP24 CACFP13 SFSP13-2020, Aug. 21, 2020 - Questions and Answers for the Child Nutrition Programs during School Year 2020-21 –#5
- SP25 CACFP14 SFSP14-2020, Sept. 11, 2020 - Questions and Answers Relating to the Nationwide Waiver to Allow Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option Operations through December 2020
- SP01 CACFP01 SFSP01-2021, Oct. 14, 2020 - Questions and Answers Relating to the Nationwide Waiver to Allow Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option Operations through School Year 2020- 21 – Extension – Q&As #2
- SP04 CACFP03 SFSP03-2021, Nov. 2, 2020 - Questions and Answers Relating to the Nationwide Waiver to Allow Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option Operations during School Year 2020-21 – Q&As #3
- SP05 CACFP04 SFSP04-2021, Jan. 5, 2021 - Questions and Answers Relating to the Nationwide Waiver to Allow Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option Operations during School Year 2020-21 – Q&As #4
- COVID-19 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) Meal Delivery Using Existing Authority
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