| DATE: | March 21, 2002 |
| SUBJECT: | Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)—Flexibility in Time Requirements for At-Risk Meal Services |
| TO: | Regional Directors Child Nutrition Programs All Regions |
This memorandum provides flexibility to at-risk afterschool care programs that serve both a snack and supper. As you know, Section 226.19(b)(6) requires that three hours elapse between the beginning of one meal service and the beginning of another.
It has come to our attention that this requirement may pose a barrier for some at-risk afterschool care programs. Therefore, state agencies may approve requests from at-risk afterschool care programs to serve both an at-risk supper and snack that vary from the requirements in Section 226.19(b)(c).
States may approve requests that are reasonable and continue to support the Department’s efforts to minimize abuses of CACFP funds and plate waste by having well-spaced meal services. State agency approvals should be made on a case-by-case basis (i.e., approved requests should be limited and on an as-needed basis). States should keep track of approved requests and continue to monitor for instances of excessive plate waste and offsite consumption during routine reviews to ensure the appropriateness of this policy for each program.
STANLEY C. GARNETT
Director
Child Nutrition Division