FNS Documents & Resources

FNS waives, for all states, the requirement that Summer Food Service Program sponsors are required to visit each of their sites at least once during the first week of operation. This waiver applies to state agencies administering and local organizations that have operated the SFSP successfully in the previous year, and SFSP sponsors in good standing that have successfully participated in the Child and Adult Care Food Program  or the National School Lunch Program.

Under this waiver, for all states, Summer Food Service Program and National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option closed enrolled sites during the COVID-19 public health emergency may determine site eligibility through area eligibility without collecting income eligibility applications.

FNS waives, for all states, the requirements to serve meals that meet the meal pattern requirements during school year 2020-21. This waiver revises the Nationwide Waiver to Allow Meal Pattern Flexibility in the Child Nutrition Programs – Extension #4 granted on June 25, 2020, for all programs except the Summer Food Service Program. This waiver applies to state agencies administering, and local organizations operating, the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Child and Adult Care Food Program.

FNS waives, for all states, the requirements to serve SFSP and NSLP Seamless Summer Option meals that meet the meal pattern requirements during the public health emergency due to COVID–19. This waiver extends the Nationwide Waiver to Allow Meal Pattern Flexibility in the Summer Food Service Program – Extension 7, granted on Aug. 31, 2020, that expires on Dec. 31, 2020.

This waiver allows the SFSP and NSLP Seamless Summer Option to continue to operate through June 30, 2021. It applies to state agencies administrating, and local organizations operating, the Summer Food Service Program and the National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option.

FNS is granting a nationwide waiver to allow state agencies to reimburse Summer Food Service Program sponsors for meals served prior to the sponsor receiving written notification that the sponsor or site has been approved for participation in the program. FNS is also waiving the requirement for state agencies to conduct pre-approval visits of SFSP sponsors and sites.

FNS waives  food service management company contracts duration requirements for all state agencies, school food authorities, and SFSP sponsors. Contracts that may expire by or around June 30, 2020 may be extended through school year 2020-21.

This memorandum includes questions and answers for state agencies and local program operators on flexibilities available under the child nutrition programs during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

FNS is extending a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19). This extension of Nationwide Waiver to Allow Meal Pattern Flexibility in the child nutrition programs, issued March 25, 2020, applies to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program. This waiver remains in effect until June 30, 2020.

FNS is extending a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. This extension  applies to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program.