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Resource | Policy Memos Clarification of Allowable Flexibilities for Child Nutrition Programs Experiencing Milk Supply Shortages

FNS is aware that schools in multiple states are experiencing milk supply chain challenges related to packaging issues. This memorandum provides state agencies with information about existing authority related to schools and other child nutrition program operators experiencing inadequate milk supply. FNS encourages state agencies to use this authority when needed to support program operators impacted by the current milk packaging challenges. 

10/26/2023
Resource | Policy Revised Prototype Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals

This memorandum provides information on the revised Prototype Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals. USDA updated the prototype application to improve the user experience for applicants by adjusting the reading level, streamlining the application instructions, and by adding clarity to the mailing instructions to reduce the number of applications sent to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.

05/11/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Paid Lunch Equity: Guidance for SY 2023-24

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance to state agencies and school food authorities on the paid lunch equity requirements for school year 2023-24. It explains the exemption provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023 and provides guidance for SFAs that do not qualify for the exemption, including those who may be returning to PLE requirements for the first time in a few years.

04/05/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Unique Entity Identifier Transition

In April 2022, federal agencies transitioned from use of the DUNS number to the Unique Entity Identifier. Child Nutrition Program Operators are required to have the UEI to receive payments from state agencies who administer the child nutrition programs on behalf of the federal government. This memorandum provides answers to questions related to the transition.

03/20/2023
Resource | Guidance Documents Rural Designations in the Summer Meal Programs - Revised

The purpose of this memorandum is to revise guidance on rural designations in the Summer Food Service Program and the National School Lunch Program’s Seamless Summer Option (SSO). The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 authorized a permanent non-congregate meal service option through the SFSP and SSO for children who live in rural communities with no congregate meal service. This memorandum supersedes SFSP policy memorandum SFSP 17-2015, Rural Designations in the Summer Food Service Program – Revised, April 21, 2017.

03/06/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023: Effect on Child Nutrition Programs

This memorandum provides notice to child nutrition program operators regarding the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, enacted on Dec. 29, 2022. 

03/03/2023
Resource | Policy Memos FY 2023 Reallocation of State Administrative Expense Funds in Child Nutrition Programs

This memorandum provides the information needed to conduct the FY 2023 reallocation of SAE funds in the child nutrition programs.

02/17/2023
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 Legislative Changes in the Nutrition Services Incentive Program

In accordance with the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006, state or Area Agencies on Aging and Indian Tribal Organizations and their selected grantees may use funds received in the Nutrition Services Incentive Program to pay school food authorities participating in school meals programs to make food purchases.

03/20/2007
Page updated: October 14, 2021