FNS Documents & Resources

This memo is addressed to TEFAP state agencies and provides the initial allocations for FY 2021 Farm to Food Bank Projects. This memo includes details on information collections under OMB# 0584-0293 and OMB# 0584-0594.

This memorandum formally extends certain active waivers until 30 days after the end of the nationally-declared public health emergency under the Public Health Service Act.

This memorandum includes questions and answers intended to provide clarification to state agencies and program operators as they transition to the upcoming school year. 

This extension of Nationwide Waiver of Onsite Monitoring Requirements in the School Meals Programs – Extension, issued June 8, 2020 to waive the requirements until Aug.  31, 2020 applies to the NSLP and the School Breakfast Program. The onsite monitoring portion of this waiver remains in effect through June 30, 2021.

This extension of Nationwide Waiver of Onsite Monitoring Requirements for Sponsoring Organizations in the Summer Food Service Program – Extension, issued on June 8, 2020 to waive the requirements until Aug. 31, 2020 applies to monitoring of schools and institutions operating SFSP during an unanticipated school closure. This waiver extension remains in effect through Sept. 30, 2021.

Pursuant to Section 2202(a) of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and in light of the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency,  FNS is extending a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus.

FNS is establishing a nationwide waiver to support schools unable to complete a triennial assessment of the local school wellness policies by June 30, 2020, due to school closures as a result of COVID–19. This waiver applies to state agencies that have local educational agencies administering the NSLP and/or SBP.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides the USDA statutory and regulatory waiver authorities necessary in a public health emergency such as COVID-19 to encourage social distancing and reduce visits to WIC clinics. To date, FNS has approved requests from all WIC state agencies to waive select statutory and regulatory requirements through June 30, 2020.

Under program regulations, child nutrition program meals must follow meal service time requirements. However, FNS recognizes that for school year 2020-21, waiving the meal service time requirements will support safer access to nutritious meals.  

In FY 2020, TEFAP received a significant amount of additional funding for food purchases and administrative expenses through the Food Purchase Distribution Program and legislation in response to the novel coronavirus public health emergency.