This collection is a revision of a currently approved collection for the School Meals Operations Study with updated survey instruments for SY 2021-2022. This study will collect data from state agencies and public school food authorities, including disaggregated administrative data and data on the continued use and effectiveness of the CN COVID-19 waivers.
This memo announces a new suite of child nutrition program nationwide waivers and flexibilities to support a successful school reopening in school year 2021-22.
This waiver allows schools and at-risk afterschool care centers, regardless of their location, to claim all NSLP, Afterschool Snack Service and Child and Adult Care Food Program At-risk Afterschool Program meals and snacks at the free rate. This waiver also allows day care homes participating in CACFP to claim all meals served to enrolled children at the tier 1 rate, regardless of their location.
FNS waives, for all states, the requirement for senior high schools to participate in offer versus serve during school year 2021-22.
Under this waiver, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Child and Adult Care Food Program operators in a state with an approved waiver allowing non-congregate meal distribution during COVID–19-related operations may distribute meals to a parent or guardian to take home to their children.
Under this waiver, NSLP, SBP, and CACFP operators in states that elect to be subject to this waiver may serve meals outside of the standard meal times.
This waiver allows school food authorities to claim National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option meals and snacks at the Summer Food Service Program reimbursement rates. This waiver applies to state agencies administering, and local organizations operating, the National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option in school year 2021-22.
This waiver allows the National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option to operate when school is open during the regular school year through June 30, 2022.
This waiver allows state agencies the discretion to use a streamlined application process for sponsors that did not operate the Summer Food Service Program in FY 2020 due to COVID-19, but operated in FY 2019 and were in good standing. FNS is also waiving the requirement for state agencies to conduct pre-approval visits of SFSP sponsors that did not participate in FY 2020.
In response to the COVID–19 Child Nutrition Response Act, and based on the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, USDA is establishing a nationwide waiver of congregate feeding requirements to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to COVID–19. This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program.