This extension of Nationwide Waiver of Onsite Monitoring Requirements for Sponsoring Organizations in the Summer Food Service Program – Extension, issued on June 8, 2020 to waive the requirements until Aug. 31, 2020 applies to monitoring of schools and institutions operating SFSP during an unanticipated school closure. This waiver extension remains in effect through Sept. 30, 2021.
This memorandum provides the fiscal year 2021 Cost-of-Living Adjustments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions. Under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, COLAs are effective as of Oct. 1, 2020.
This wavier approval will allow state agencies to conduct telephone interviews in lieu of face-to-face for all QC interviews that take place from the date of issuance of this waiver through Sept. 30, 2020, regardless of the case sample month.
The guidance document provides policy guidance for states regarding the operation of the SNAP Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program, referred to as SNAP-Ed.
This memorandum clarifies policy related to "eligible foods," which are foods and other items that may be purchased with SNAP benefits. This memorandum does not address meals that may be purchased with SNAP benefits from firms authorized to serve such meals, although these meals are also eligible foods.
SNAP regulations provide that the FNS must determine if an applicant firm may be authorized to participate under "Need for Access" if located in an area with significantly limited access to food and the applicant firm has failed to meet the staple food requirements for eligibility under Criterion A or Criterion B.
This memorandum clarifies policy related to implementation of the final rule, "Enhancing Retailer Standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program," which amended the definition of "staple food" in SNAP regulations. Specifically, this memorandum clarifies foods considered "accessory foods," which do not count as staple foods for purposes of determining the eligibility of any firm.
To be SNAP-authorized, a store generally must meet one of two eligibility standards: Criterion A (staple food stock) or Criterion B (staple food sales). Staple foods are the basic food items that make up a significant portion of an individual’s diet and are usually prepared at home and consumed as a major component of a meal.
This waiver applies to state agencies administering and local organizations that have operated the SFSP successfully in the previous year, and SFSP sponsors in good standing that have successfully participated in the CACFP or the NSLP.
FNS waives food service management company contracts duration requirements for all state agencies, school food authorities, and SFSP sponsors. Contracts that may expire by or around June 30, 2020 may be extended through school year 2020-21.