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Resource | Training and Outreach CACFP: Providing Multiple Meals at a Time During School Year 2022-23

USDA continues to work with state child nutrition agencies to offer flexibilities in response to public health needs while still promoting nutritious meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

04/27/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Reimbursement for Meals and Snacks Served at CACFP Emergency Shelters after the Public Health Emergency Ends

This memorandum notifies state agencies and program operators that temporary authority to claim reimbursement for meals and snacks to young people between the ages of 19 and 24 in emergency shelters participating in CACFP, will end when the COVID-19 public health emergency ends, which is expected on May 11, 2023.

02/15/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Offsite Monitoring of the CACFP and School Meal Programs After the Public Health Emergency Ends

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance regarding the expiration of the offsite monitoring for CACFP and the School Meal Programs after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. 

02/15/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Nationwide Waivers of Child Nutrition Monitoring

FNS has used its authority under FFRCA to waive certain onsite monitoring requirements for the school meals programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program, so that programs can to maintain program integrity and support social distancing while providing meals. 

11/12/2021
Resource | Policy Memos CACFP Flexibilities During COVID-19 Supply Chain Disruptions

This memorandum outlines the existing flexibilities available to all CACFP operators experiencing supply chain disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and encourages state agency and sponsoring organization discretion when monitoring for compliance with meal pattern requirements.

10/29/2021
Resource | Webinars/Videos Planning for a Dynamic School Environment Webinar: Guidance for Meal Service Flexibilities for SY 2021-22

 On August 26, FNS delivered a live webinar to state agencies and local program operators providing an overview of nationwide waivers for school year 2021-22. During the webinar, staff discussed scenarios where flexibilities may be utilized and suggestions for planning for the unexpected.  Lastly, resources were shared to further help state agencies and local program operators meet the unique needs of their community. 

09/02/2021
Resource | Policy Memos Pandemic EBT – State Plans for 2021-22

This document provides information to states to assist in the development of state plans to operate Pandemic EBT for school children and children in child care.

08/26/2021
Resource | Guidance Documents Nationwide Waiver of Local School Wellness Policy Triennial Assessments in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs

FNS is establishing a nationwide waiver to support schools unable to complete a triennial assessment of the local school wellness policies by June 30, 2021, due to school closures as a result of COVID–19. This waiver applies to state agencies that have local educational agencies administering the NSLP and/or SBP.

06/11/2021
Resource | Policy Memos Q&As Relating to the Nationwide Waiver to Allow SFSP and Seamless Summer Option Operations through December 2020

This memorandum includes questions and answers intended to provide clarification to state agencies and program operators as they operate the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, NSLP Seamless Summer Option, Summer Food Service Program, and Child and Adult Care Food Program in the coming months, during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

09/11/2020
Resource | Policy Memos CN COVID-19 Meal Times Nationwide Waiver - Extension

Due to the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, USDA established a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program. This waiver remains in effect through Aug. 31, 2020.

05/21/2020
Page updated: October 14, 2021