FNS Documents & Resources

The purpose of this memorandum is to update prior guidance to reflect changes made to the Community Eligibility Provision due to the Final Rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Community Eligibility Provision – Increasing Options for Schools (FR 65778), effective on Oct. 26, 2023. This final rule amended CEP regulations by lowering the minimum identified student percentage to elect CEP from 40 percent to 25 percent. 
 

This memorandum provides a reminder of the annual Community Eligibility Provision notification and publication requirements, including the changes made by the Final Rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Community Eligibility Provision – Increasing Options for Schools. This memorandum also reminds state agencies that the statutory election deadline for schools to elect CEP for school year 2024-25 is June 30, 2024.

This memorandum provides new guidance and questions and answers to address changes made by the CEP final rule. Additionally, this memorandum provides clarification on guidance related to CEP. The attached Q&As supersede SP 54-2016, Community Eligibility Provision: Guidance and Updated Q&As.

Attached is the third edition of Community Eligibility Provision: Planning and Implementation Guidance. The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) meal service option that allows schools and local educational agencies (LEAs) in high poverty areas to offer meals at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications. 

This memorandum includes key information on the new regulatory requirements for non-congregate summer meal service in rural areas.

These Q&As provide additional information on program administration, eligibility, certification, verification, and EBT benefits. They expand upon previously released Summer EBT guidance and answer the most frequently asked questions of the Summer EBT Program.

This question and answer document provides technical assistance on issues directly related to SNAP EBT processors – and those working with such processors – on implementing Summer EBT.

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. 

On Sept. 30, 2023, President Biden signed into law the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act, funding the federal government through Nov. 17, 2023. This memorandum is intended to clarify the impact of the continuing resolution on upcoming SNAP benefit issuance.

The 2023 Farm to School Census FAQ addresses common issues for school food authorities responding to the Farm to School Census.