FNS is offering a suite of operational flexibilities that will be available to child nutrition programs for summer 2022 and school year 2022-23.
FNS is offering this comparison table to assist state agencies and program operators as they transition from operations under COVID-19 nationwide waivers to operations designed around their own unique circumstances.
A webinar for state agencies providing an overview of provisions included in the new Keep Kids Fed Act legislation and Supply Chain Assistance funding.
A webinar for state agencies about tools available to aid in the transition back to normal child nutrition program operations.
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.
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.
FNS understands that these are challenging times for all and that many state agencies and program operators face significant resource and time constraints. We are committed to approving waivers that support state agencies and program operators as they strive to run successful programs and meet child nutrition program requirements in order to provide nutritious food to eligible participants.
FNS is establishing a nationwide opt-in waiver to help minimize the impact of coronavirus related school closures on USDA Foods entitlement calculations.
FNS waives, for all states that elect to be subject to this waiver, the meal service time requirements allowing meals served outside of the standard meal times. This waiver applies to state agencies administering and local organizations operating the: Summer Food Service Program and National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option.
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.