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Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance CACFP: Providing Multiple Meals at a Time During School Year 2022-23

USDA continues to work with state child nutrition agencies to offer flexibilities in response to public health needs while still promoting nutritious meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

FNS-870
04/27/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Nationwide Waivers of Child Nutrition Monitoring

FNS has used its authority under FFRCA to waive certain onsite monitoring requirements for the school meals programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program, so that programs can to maintain program integrity and support social distancing while providing meals. 

11/12/2021
Resource | Webinars/Videos Planning for a Dynamic School Environment Webinar: Guidance for Meal Service Flexibilities for SY 2021-22

 On August 26, FNS delivered a live webinar to state agencies and local program operators providing an overview of nationwide waivers for school year 2021-22. During the webinar, staff discussed scenarios where flexibilities may be utilized and suggestions for planning for the unexpected.  Lastly, resources were shared to further help state agencies and local program operators meet the unique needs of their community. 

09/02/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0093 Pandemic EBT – State Plans for 2021-22

This document provides information to states to assist in the development of state plans to operate Pandemic EBT for school children and children in child care.

08/26/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0065 Nationwide Waiver of Local School Wellness Policy Triennial Assessments in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs

FNS is establishing a nationwide waiver to support schools unable to complete a triennial assessment of the local school wellness policies by June 30, 2021, 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.

Child Nutrition Response #98
06/11/2021
Resource | Success Stories COVID-19 School Meal Spotlights

Under challenging circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic, school communities have worked tirelessly to ensure children have access to meals.

03/02/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0162 Q&As Relating to the Nationwide Waiver to Allow SFSP and Seamless Summer Option Operations through December 2020

This memorandum includes questions and answers intended to provide clarification to state agencies and program operators as they operate the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, NSLP Seamless Summer Option, Summer Food Service Program, and Child and Adult Care Food Program in the coming months, during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

SP25 CACFP14 SFSP14-2020
09/11/2020
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Seamless Summer Option: Providing Multiple Meals at a Time During the Coronavirus Pandemic

This downloadable handout provides tips, best practices, and sample menus for NSLP SSO operators who wish to distribute multiple meals at one time.

06/11/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0073 CN COVID-19 Meal Times Nationwide Waiver - Extension

Due to the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, USDA established a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program. This waiver remains in effect through Aug. 31, 2020.

COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #23
05/21/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0050 COVID-19 Nationwide Waiver to Allow Parents and Guardians to Pick Up Meals for Children

Pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and based on the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, FNS is establishing a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID– 19).

COVID–19: Child Nutrition Response #5
04/23/2020
Page updated: October 14, 2021