FNS is seeking public comment on its intent to ask the Office of Management and Budget to extend approval of the information collection under OMB approval #0584-0654 from Jan. 31, 2022 until Aug. 27, 2023.
To support a successful school reopening in school year 2021-2022, and to promote afterschool and child care, FNS is releasing a new suite of waivers and flexibilities to increase funding, support access, and balance operational needs with the goal of providing nutritious meals:
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.
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.
On Oct. 1, 2021, the requirement to credit grains served in the CACFP in "ounce equivalents" was implemented. This action also applied to the crediting of grains served to infants and toddlers in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. This document corrects the final regulations to align meal pattern tables and corresponding endnotes with regulatory requirements.
This memorandum provides clarification on questions related to child nutrition programs use of emergency procurements due to supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Education Secretary Cardona provide a brief message thanking school nutrition professionals for the work they do to ensure students receive nutritious meals.
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.
The Food and Nutrition Service published a document on July 16, 2021, concerning reimbursement rates for the National School Lunch, Special Milk, and School Breakfast Programs. The document contained an incorrect table entry.