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Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0019 COVID-19 Nationwide Waiver to Allow Meal Pattern Flexibility in the Child Nutrition Programs

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). 

COVID–19: Child Nutrition Response #4
03/25/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2019-0033 State Agency Food Safety Inspections Report for SY 2018-19

This memorandum provides guidance regarding continuation of the food safety inspections reporting requirement under the NSLP and SBP for fiscal year 2019.

SP19-2019
04/11/2019
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2017-0046 2017 Edition of Accommodating Children with Disabilities in the School Meal Programs

Attached is the 2017 Edition of Accommodating Children with Disabilities in the School Meal Programs. This guide provides guidance on the requirement for school food authorities to ensure equal access to Program benefits for children with disabilities, which includes providing special meals to children with a disability that restricts their diet.

SP40-2017
07/25/2017
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2016-0067 Modifications to Accommodate Disabilities in the School Meal Programs

This policy memorandum includes important updates to requirements related to accommodating children with disabilities participating in the school meal programs.

SP59-2016
09/27/2016
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2015-0033 Updated Offer vs Serve Guidance for the NSLP and SBP Beginning SY2015-16

Offer versus Serve is a provision in the NSLP and School Breakfast Program that allows students to decline some of the food offered. The goals of OVS are to reduce food waste in the school meals programs while permitting students to decline foods they do not intend to eat. 

SP41-2015
07/21/2015
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2013-0055 Extending Flexibility for RCCIs in the NSLP

On July 16, 2012, FNS issued memorandum SP 38-2012, which allowed Residential Child Care Institutions, with state agency approval, to serve the National School Lunch Program meal pattern in effect for the highest age/grade group served to all residential students.

SP48-2013
06/26/2013
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2013-0030 Enhancing the School Food Safety Program FAQs

This memorandum and its attachment supersede SP-37-2011, Child Nutrition 2010: Enhancing the School Food Safety Program. Attached are questions and answers regarding the school food safety requirements for schools participating in FNS child nutrition programs.

SP37-2013
04/26/2013
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2012-0069 Streamlining At-Risk Meal Participation for School Food Authorities

The purpose of this memorandum is to streamline the requirements for participation of school food authorities in the at-risk afterschool meals component of CACFP.

SP09 CACFP04-2013
11/28/2012
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2011-0072 Allocation of Administrative Funds for State Costs of Implementation of New Meal Patterns

This provision requires state agencies to certify whether participating SFAs are in compliance with meal requirements and, therefore, eligible to receive performance-based cash assistance for each reimbursable lunch served (an additional six cents per lunch, adjusted annually, available beginning Oct. 1, 2012).

SP07-2012
12/29/2011
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2011-0050 Food Safety Inspections in Service-Only Sites Participating in the School Meals Programs

This memorandum satisfies GAO’s recommendations for the Food and Nutrition Service to issue more specific guidance to states and school districts regarding the applicability of the food safety inspections requirement in schools that do not prepare food, such as those that only serve pre-packaged meals or meals delivered from a central preparation location (referred to in this memorandum as service-only sites). 

SP45-2011
08/03/2011
Page updated: October 14, 2021