FNS published the subject interim regulation, and established the effective date as Dec. 15, 1999, because the customary effective date for regulations is 30 days after publication and given the health and reimbursement implications, we wished to implement the regulation as soon as possible.
Attached is a third set of questions and answers, “Afterschool Snacks, Questions and Answers, Edition 3, 11/99."
As you know, regulations at 7 CFR 226.6(c) give State agencies the responsibility to terminate child care institutions that the State agency determines to have been seriously deficient in the operation of one of the child nutrition programs.
The purpose of this memorandum is to reiterate the authority and responsibility State agencies have in ensuring that facilities terminated for cause from CACFP by one sponsoring organization do not participate in the program under another sponsor.
We are writing to stress the importance of training day care providers and center personnel. Insuring that program participants are well-trained is a vital responsibility of state agencies and sponsoring organizations, and it is an important proactive tool in improving program management and integrity.
The Jan. 14, 1999, memorandum implementing the after school snack provision of the Child Nutrition Programs’ reauthorization legislation stated that RCCIs would not be eligible for this benefit. To address these situations, we are authorizing RCCIs to participate in the after school snack program.
This memorandum clarifies our policy with regard to those situations in which homeless shelters participating in CACFP receive and use commodity foods.
In response to inquiries from three regional offices, we are issuing the attached guidance with regard to the eligibility for free meals of children participating in state-funded pre-kindergarten programs.
This memorandum is intended to provide regional offices with information to share with state agencies concerning the use of unannounced monitoring visits to child and adult care facilities in the CACFP.
The Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998 requires CACFP state agencies to distribute WIC benefits and eligibility standards information to child care centers and each family and group day care home.