| DATE: | February 19, 2021 | |
| POLICY MEMO: | SP 07-2021 | |
| SUBJECT: | Department of Education Guidance on Implementation of Child Nutrition Program Waivers 1 |
|
| TO: | Regional Directors Special Nutrition Programs All Regions |
State Directors Child Nutrition Programs All States |
On Jan. 4, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) released the attached fact sheet that outlines options and clarification for state educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs) to successfully implement programs authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) while operating under child nutrition programs (CNP) waiver flexibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact sheet outlines ESEA requirements and highlights options for collecting data for the various ESEA programs, when National School Lunch Program (NSLP) data for school year (SY) 2020-21 is not readily available. SEAs and LEAs often choose to use NSLP data to carry out activities under the following ESEA programs:
- Title I, Part A – Improving Basic Programs Operated by LEAs
- Title II, Part A – Supporting Effective Instruction
- Title V, Part B – Rural and Low-Income School Program
The fact sheet also highlights CNP waivers related to the at-risk afterschool meals component of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Many participants in the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which are administered by ED, also participate in CACFP.
This fact sheet provides important information to assist program operators as they work to provide equitable access to school meals and other vital services for our most vulnerable student populations. The ED fact sheet can be found at the following website link: https://oese.ed.gov/files/2021/01/Fact-sheet-on-USDA-meals-waivers-Jan-2021.pdf
Resources and flexibilities that FNS has provided to state agencies and program operators in response to COVID-19 can be found at the following website link: https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/pandemic/covid-19.
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 and attachment 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.
Angela M. Kline
Director
Policy and Program Development Division
Attachment