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 the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.

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.

This notice announces the Department's annual adjustments to the Income Eligibility Guidelines to be used in determining eligibility for free and reduced price meals and free milk for the period from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.

This memorandum outlines how schools, child care institutions, and community organizations may continue to provide reimbursable meals to low-income children during school closures related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Congress provides that only school food authorities that had a negative balance in the nonprofit school food service account as of Dec. 31, 2019, shall be required to establish prices for paid lunches according to the Paid Lunch Equity provisions in the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, and implemented in National School Lunch Program regulations.

This collection is a revision of a currently approved collection for determining eligibility for free and reduced price meals and free milk as stated in FNS regulations. These federal requirements affect eligibility under the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and the Special Milk Program and are also applicable to the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program when individual eligibility must be established

This Q&A memorandum is designed to provide an overview of the policies related to the Professional Standards regulations for state and local school nutrition program personnel.