Policy Memo (768.37 KB)
| DATE: | March 2, 2022 | |
| MEMO CODE: | SP 05-2022 | |
| SUBJECT: | Meal Requirements Under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program: Questions and Answers for Program Operators Updated to Support the Transitional Standards for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Effective July 1, 2022 | |
| TO: | Regional Directors Special Nutrition Programs All Regions | State Directors Child Nutrition Programs All States |
This memorandum includes questions and answers updated to incorporate changes codified by the final rule titled, Child Nutrition Programs: Transitional Standards for Milk, Whole Grains and Sodium (87 FR 6984, Feb. 7, 2022), effective July 1, 2022.
The attached questions and answers on meal requirements for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program have been updated to reflect the transitional standards for milk, whole grains and sodium which are intended to be transitional requirements in effect for school years (SY) 2022-23 and 2023-24. The majority of the questions and answers within this guidance are unchanged because they are not affected by the final rule. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) plans to promulgate a new rule for long-term meal pattern requirements to be effective starting in SY 2024-25. In case of a delay, this updated guidance will remain effective until subsequent standards are promulgated through rulemaking. This memorandum rescinds and replaces SP 38-2019, Meal Requirements under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program: Questions and Answers for Program Operators, dated Sept. 23, 2019.
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.
Tina Namian
Acting Director
Policy and Program Development Division