FNS Documents & Resources

In light of the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, FNS is granting a nationwide waiver to help minimize potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This waiver applies to monitoring of schools and institutions operating Summer Food Service Program during an unanticipated school closure.

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 granting a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19). 

This rulemaking proposes changes to simplify meal pattern and monitoring requirements in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. The proposed changes, including optional flexibilities, are customer-focused and intended to help State and local Program operators overcome operational challenges that limit their ability to manage these Programs efficiently. The original comment period for this rule ends on March 23, 2020. FNS is extending the comment period through April 22, 2020.

The recently enacted Families First Coronavirus Response Act temporarily and partially suspends the time limit for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents participation in SNAP. 

The attached is guidance to states in implementing Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, which provides for the issuance of emergency allotments (supplements) based on a public health emergency declaration by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act related to an outbreak of COVID-19 when a state has also issued an emergency or disaster declaration

This message responds to state requests to extend the due dates for SNAP Quality Control cases.

In response to requests from states for flexibility to allow for greater social distancing to prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), the Secretary is allowing states to conduct telephone interviews in lieu of face-to face-interviews for SNAP Quality Control purposes.