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Q&As related to the Child Nutrition Program Monitoring and Reporting Nationwide Waivers

EO Guidance Document #
FNS-GD-2020-0036
FNS Document #
SP11 CACFP06 SFSP05-2020
Resource type
Policy Memos
FAQs/Q&As
Guidance Documents
Resource Materials
DATE: April 9, 2020
MEMO CODE: SP 11-2020, CACFP 06-2020, SFSP 05-2020
SUBJECT: Questions and Answers related to the Child Nutrition Program Monitoring and Reporting Nationwide Waivers1
TO: Regional Directors
Special Nutrition Programs
All Regions
State Directors
Child Nutrition Programs
All States
State Directors
Food Distribution Programs
All States

Pursuant to the COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response Act (the ACT) (HR 6201, Title II) and based on the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) granted a series of nationwide waivers to help minimize potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. This memorandum provides clarification to nationwide waivers #7 through #12 available to all states, SFAs and sponsoring organizations providing monitoring flexibilities in child nutrition programs during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. The nationwide waivers are available at: COVID-19 Waivers by State.

The attached questions have been grouped under six headings: General Questions, Nationwide Waivers for School Meal Programs Program Onsite Monitoring, Nationwide Waivers for Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Onsite Monitoring for State Agencies and Sponsoring Organizations, Nationwide Waivers for Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Onsite Monitoring for State Agencies and Sponsoring Organizations, Offsite Reviews, Nationwide Waiver for 60 Day Reporting Requirements for January and February 2020, and Equipment Assistance Grants. The questions include clarification about flexibilities for on-site monitoring, recordkeeping requirements, administrative reviews in the school meal programs, monitoring the Seamless Summer Option, procurement reviews, 60 days reporting requirement flexibilities and Equipment Assistant Grant extensions.

FNS appreciates the exceptional effort of state agencies and local program operators working to meet the nutritional needs of child and adult participants during a challenging time. State agencies are reminded to distribute this memorandum to program operators immediately. Program operators should direct any questions concerning this guidance to their state agency. State agencies with questions should contact the appropriate FNS regional office.

Sarah E. Smith-Holmes
Director
Program Monitoring and Operational Support Division
Child Nutrition Programs

 


1 Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 USC 801 et seq.), the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs designated this waiver as not major, as defined by 5 USC 804(2).
Page updated: November 22, 2023

The contents of this guidance document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.