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Resource | Policy Fees for Electronic Payment Services in the School Meal Programs

This memorandum clarifies policy related to fees associated with electronic (online) payments in the school meal programs and ensures students who are determined eligible for free or reduced price meal benefits receive the benefits they qualify for without having to pay additional fees.

11/01/2024
Resource | Policy Memos Updated Instructions for the SAE Recovery Process and SAE Financial Status Report

Updated instructions for the state administrative expenses recovery process and SAE financial status report (FNS-777-SAE) for child nutrition programs.

01/24/2024
Resource | Policy Revised: Crediting Tofu and Soy Yogurt Products in the School Meal Programs, CACFP, and SFSP

This memorandum provides updated guidance on crediting tofu and soy yogurt products in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and extends previous guidance on crediting tofu and soy yogurt products to the Summer Food Service Program, as well as to the infant meal pattern in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

11/29/2023
Resource | Policy Initial Implementation Memo: Child Nutrition Program Integrity Final Rule

This memorandum provides initial implementation guidance for the Child Nutrition Program Integrity Final Rule. This memorandum applies to state agencies administering and school food authorities, institutions and sponsors implementing the NSLP, SBP, CACFP, and SFSP.

08/23/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Revised Prototype Free and Reduced Price Application for SY 2017-2018

Attached to this memorandum, please find a revised edition of the Prototype Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals, with an accompanying instructions document. These materials may be adapted for direct use by state and local agencies, or as a reference for designing an effective application packet that meets all statutory and regulatory requirements. 

05/11/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Oversight and Monitoring of the School Meals Programs- Information Regarding Onsite and Offsite Strategies and Options

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance regarding onsite and offsite strategies and options for oversight and monitoring of the school meal programs.

04/06/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Unique Entity Identifier Transition

In April 2022, federal agencies transitioned from use of the DUNS number to the Unique Entity Identifier. Child Nutrition Program Operators are required to have the UEI to receive payments from state agencies who administer the child nutrition programs on behalf of the federal government. This memorandum provides answers to questions related to the transition.

03/20/2023
Resource | Policy Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021: Effect on Child Nutrition Programs - REVISED

This memorandum provides notice to child nutrition program operators regarding Sections 743, 764, 767, and 789 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 enacted on Dec. 21, 2020. This revised memorandum applies to state agencies administering, and local organizations operating the federal child nutrition programs. It is revised to correct the timeframe intended by Congress for Section 743.
 

05/14/2021
Resource | Policy Memos Waiver of 60-Day Reporting Requirements

FNS is granting a nationwide waiver of the 60-day reporting requirements to help minimize potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program, Child and Adult Food Care Program and Summer Food Service Program.

06/04/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Q&As related to Food Service Management Company Contracts and Allowable Costs during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This memorandum includes questions and answers for state agencies and local program operators on flexibilities available under the child nutrition programs during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

06/03/2020
Page updated: October 14, 2021