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FNS Documents & Resources

Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2005-0006 Food Stamp and Child Nutrition Agreements for Direct Certification

The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 requires that children in food stamp households be directly certified for free school meals. To prepare for the phased in implementation of mandatory direct certification, which begins for the largest school districts in July 2006 and covers all school districts by July 2008, we convened a work group on Jan. 26–27, 2005.

02/15/2005
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0030 Community Eligibility Provision Deadlines in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs

FNS is establishing a targeted waiver, for all states and local educational agencies, to extend statutory and regulatory deadlines relating to Community Eligibility Provision reporting and election during the public health emergency due to COVID–19.

COVID–19: Child Nutrition Response #82
03/26/2021
Resource | Policy Determining Eligibility for Severe Need Reimbursement for the SBP and the Two Cent Differential Reimbursement for the NSLP in SY 2022-23 and 2023-24

This memorandum provides guidance to state agencies and school food authorities as they transition from COVID-19 nationwide waivers. This guidance applies to state agencies and school food authorities administering the NSLP and the SBP in SY 2022-23 and SY 2023-24.

SP 11-2022
06/15/2022

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on 2022 Public Charge Final Rule

Release No.
USDA 0195.22
Contact
FNS Press Team
Email
email@example.com

WASHINGTON, September 8, 2022 - “Today's release of the 2022 Public Charge Final Rule by the Biden-Harris Administration and Department of Homeland Security represents an important step towards ensuring all those who are eligible for USDA’s nutrition assistance programs can access their crucial benefits. The rule clarifies and formalizes the policy that’s been in place for most of the last two decades, definitively allowing eligible immigrants to apply for and receive non-cash government benefits – like SNAP, WIC, and free or reduced-price school meals – without fear of any negative impact on their immigration status. Immigrants and their families have the right to access the programs for which Congress has made them eligible.

“This action ensures a fair and faithful interpretation of the law, one that will have a meaningful impact on the immigrant communities and help give them the nourishment to lead happier, healthier lives. It represents the administration’s broader commitment to equity and advancing nutrition security for generations to come.”

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Page updated: September 08, 2022
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance USDA Secretary Vilsack Letter to States for SY 2022-23

Letter to states from the USDA Secretary to encourage you to help schools in your state keep kids fed despite ongoing challenges associated with the pandemic, ongoing supply chain issues, and labor shortages.

09/02/2022
Resource | Webinars/Videos Webinar: Verification Toolkit and Beginning Verification Before October 1

A brief overview of the resources contained in the Verification Toolkit, as well as a detailed walk-through outlining a few options for beginning verification before October 1.

03/28/2018
Resource | Proposed Rule Proposed Rule: NSLP and SBP Eliminating Applications Through Community Eligibility as Required by the HHFKA of 2010

This rule proposes to amend the eligibility regulations for free and reduced price meals under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program to codify the statutory provision that establishes the community eligibility provision, a reimbursement option for eligible local educational agencies and schools that wish to offer free school meals to all children in high poverty schools without collecting household applications.

11/04/2013
Resource | Interim Final Rule Interim Rule: Verification of Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs

This interim rule implements provisions of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 relating to verification of applications approved for free or reduced price meals in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.

12/18/2008
Resource | Final Rule Final Rule: Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals in Schools-Verification Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

This final rule amends the reporting and recordkeeping requirements under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program relating to the verification of applications for free and reduced price meal benefits under the NSLP and the SBP.

09/11/2003
Resource | Notices National School Lunch Program: Pilot Projects, Alternatives to Free and Reduced Price Application Requirements and Verification Procedures-Extension of Date for Submission of Applications

On Jan. 21, 2000, the Department issued a notice (65 FR 3409) announcing pilot projects which would permit selected school food authorities and state agencies to test alternatives to the application procedures and verification process for households participating in the National School Lunch Program.

11/20/2014
Page updated: October 14, 2021